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Zimbabwe’s business community has endorsed the green economy roadmap aimed at investing more money in renewable energy systems as other power sources suffer significantly from the devastating effects of climate change.
Global warming came under the spotlight during the climate change meeting held during the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show that ended recently. With the effects of climate change being felt in all sectors of the economy, captains of industry recommended an action plan by mobilising resources towards increased investments in renewable energy.
“The roadmap should seek to ensure an equitable transition in all aspects of development in Zimbabwe, therefore, it can boost utilisation of natural resources sustainably, increase energy efficiency and reduce waste, while also promoting friendly environmental management policies by productive sectors of the economy,” said the chief executive of the African Renaissance for Sustainable Development, Mr Nehemiah Chipato.
Mr Ivan Craig, an agronomist called for innovative ideas to mitigate the effects of global warming, adding that the agricultural sector has not been spared therefore it is now up to the relevant authorities to formulate best practices that entail the utilisation of resources in a manner that does not damage the environment.
“Already the smart agriculture system is in motion indicating commitment by Zimbabwe to mitigate against any shocks, furthermore investments in dams also seen as an indicator of reducing effects of droughts while facilitating clean energy systems for irrigation and power,” he said.
Many companies locally are making moves to go off-grid. Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats) is set to install two carport solar solutions at its mine as a way of going green, powered by Distributed Power Africa (DPA).
The carport installations will power the Zimplats administration hub at the company’s Mupani Mine offices in Mhondoro-Ngezi, resulting in cost savings and fulfilling Zimplats’ vision to reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy and develop green and sustainable mining operations.
Commenting on the Zimplats project, DPA Group chief executive officer, Mr Norman Moyo, said: “This innovative carport solar project provides a solution that fulfils both environmental sustainability and cost-saving goals for Zimplats. We look forward to supporting other commercial and industrial partners in their efforts to switch to more efficient, greener and cost-effective power solutions.”
With a projected annual energy production of 276 000kWh, the two Zimplats carports will save approximately 161 tonnes of carbon emissions and over 1 600 trees per year.
The electricity deficit on the continent has increased the demand for organisations investing in alternative and renewable energy.
Varun Beverages is in the process of installing a 2,5MW rooftop solar plant at the Pepsi bottler’s Harare factory.
The system which is projected to give Varun annual energy production of 4,1GW will be the largest roof-mounted solar system installed in Zimbabwe to date.
National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund nationwide sites are earmarked for rooftop solar systems.
Combined, the installations at various locations of the NRZ Pension Fund clients such as Bon Marche, Gain Cash & Carry, OK Zimbabwe, Pick N’ Pay, and BancABC will total 5,3MW, making this one of DPA’s most notable projects to date.
Moreover, with a projected annual energy production of 5,59GWh, the project will contribute significantly towards relieving the grid.
In line with aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1, the green economy roadmap seeks to ensure industries invest massively in solar energy systems, while the construction sector is rolling out concepts that embrace the planting of trees around properties, with the agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries focusing on low greenhouse gas emissions.
Zimbabwe has turned to solar energy generation projects to supplement low levels of electricity and reduce carbon footprint.
The Government is encouraging Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to complement its efforts to boost power generation and stop importing electricity.
Since 2010, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has licensed over 70 IPPs to establish electricity generation plants across the country, with estimated output of over 6 000MW combined.
However, a few small projects are operational and only producing little at a time the country is experiencing electricity shortage.
In line with Vision 2030, the Government has mandated IPPs to contribute close to 40 percent of the targeted 11 500MW that the country needs in order to attain an upper-middle-income economy status where electricity, among other services, should be readily available and accessible to all citizens.
Several high energy using firms especially in the mining sector are installing solar plants to ensure steady supply of energy and boost production levels.
Online Reporter