Save up to 80% on electricity bills! Zonergy’s microgrid project boosts healthcare services across Zimbabwe

Zonergy has recently completed and handed over a microgrid project for healthcare facilities across Zimbabwe, covering provincial hospitals, mission hospitals, and remote primary care clinics. The system ensures round-the-clock power supply, keeping medical services running without interruption.

This is Zonergy’s first nationwide medical microgrid project in Zimbabwe, and a key example of how the company is bringing its new energy expertise to African communities through microgrid technology.

Reliable power, critical care – microgrids safeguard healthcare

Unstable electricity has long been a major hurdle for healthcare systems in parts of Africa. Before the project, the facilities relied on an unreliable grid with diesel generators as backup. But weak grid infrastructure and surging diesel costs often left hospitals struggling to keep operating rooms and ICUs powered, frequently disrupting medical services.

To meet the varying needs of different facilities, Zonergy designed tailored microgrid solutions, adjusting system capacity and equipment based on each hospital’s size, load profile, and existing setup. The result is a hybrid power system that integrates solar, battery storage, grid power, and diesel backup.

The project uses battery storage systems ranging from 129kWh to 315kWh, paired with solar panels and inverters. During the day, solar power covers electricity demand; at night, storage works alongside the grid, with diesel generators kept on standby at some sites for emergencies – ensuring stable power 24/7.

Since going live, the system has kept critical hospital loads powered continuously, supporting surgeries, emergency care, lab tests, and other essential services – so healthcare can truly operate without disruption.

▲ One of Zonergy’s microgrid project sites in Zimbabwe

Up to 80% off electricity bills – and better patient care

Construction began in 2025, with phased deliveries starting in March 2026 and full acceptance completed in May. The project has been running smoothly for over two months now, and customer feedback has exceeded expectations.

The most immediate impact has been on treatment efficiency, thanks to reliable power. “Some rural hospitals have perfectly capable doctors, but power outages used to force surgery delays – or worse, patient transfers to the capital,” said project manager Yue Shilei. “With poor local roads, transfers are costly and time-consuming, and can even put patients at risk. Now, with stable electricity, we can diagnose and treat locally – a huge leap in both efficiency and service quality.”

Yue has been on the ground since day one, overseeing construction, commissioning, and O&M support throughout.

Beyond better healthcare, the project is saving money. With high local electricity tariffs and rising diesel costs, many hospitals used to struggle with their power bills. Even during the trial run alone, most sites cut electricity costs by 40%–50%, and some by around 80% – significantly easing their operational budgets.

A local team – and a model for project delivery in Africa

Building the project came with tough challenges: harsh climate, limited transport and logistics, and cross-cultural coordination. Some sites in remote areas posed particular difficulties in communication, on-site coordination, and mobilizing local resources – putting the company’s supply chain, management, and rapid-response capabilities to the test.

To ensure quality delivery, Zonergy put together a dedicated team of resident engineers, rotating technical staff, local hires, and regional service providers. By strengthening cooperation with local partners and streamlining communication and management processes, the company has developed a proven, efficient model for overseas project execution.

▲ A glimpse of Zonergy’s local project team in action

From rural China to rural Africa – new energy, new frontiers

The project’s success proves not only Zonergy’s strength in engineering, project management, after-sales service, and local operations, but also the vast potential of microgrids in areas with weak grid coverage – delivering both practical impact and social value.

Zonergy is no stranger to microgrids. Over the years, the company has built a strong track record in new energy projects across high-altitude and remote regions of western China, including Sichuan’s Ganzi, Aba and Liangshan area, Qinghai, and Gansu – gaining deep expertise in microgrid design, construction, and maintenance under challenging conditions.

Today, these hard-won lessons from western China are being shared globally, offering replicable Chinese solutions for energy transition and community development in Africa and beyond.

Going forward, Zonergy will continue leveraging its integrated strengths in solar-plus-storage and microgrids – offering not just products, but complete system solutions, engineering know-how, and long-term O&M support. The company aims to play an active role in global new energy infrastructure, delivering safe, reliable, and green power to more communities worldwide.