adminThe energy sector in Zimbabwe has been declining due to lack of new investment especially in renewable energy, poor maintenance, low funding from central government and a huge import debt burden.
In an interview, Solar Energy Industries Association of Zimbabwe (SEIAZ) president Mr Chamu Muchenje said a government directive would assist in promoting use of renewable energy.
“Industries have over the years survived under a subsidised energy regime. As a result they view switching to solar as expensive. That is why they have shown little interest to invest in renewable energy sources,” he said.
Mr Muchenje said if industries were compelled to use at least 20 percent of solar energy, investment in the sector would improve.
“The more the consumers of solar energy increase, the more the sector grows,” he said.
Mr Muchenje said solar energy would bridge the deficit which had seen the country incurring a huge energy import bill.
“Industry and farmers who have been at the mercy of power shortage can easily be catered for through solar energy,” he said.
Energy experts, however, argue that industry has not been well informed about the benefits of solar energy hence it still doubted its potential.
Meanwhile, Mr Muchenje bemoaned lack of minimum standards for imported solar equipment some of which he said was too cheap and of very poor quality.
He urged the government to protect local solar equipment manufacturers to enable them to grow.
Mr Muchenje cited the example of a substandard 200-litre solar geyser which goes for $450 with one-year warranty compared to a local product which has five to ten years warranty and is durable for over 20 years.
Zimbabwe launched a National Energy Policy (NEP) in 2012 which identifies the key challenges in the exploitation, distribution and utilisation of different energy resources and providing a detailed roadmap on how to address them.
The policy also provides opportunities for joint ventures and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in exploiting energy sources such as biomass, coal and solar. — New Ziana
Online Reporter