Energy efficiency policy approved

Mukudzei Chingwere

Herald Reporter

CABINET has approved a comprehensive national energy efficiency policy to promote sustainable development and reduce energy consumption, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Dr Muswere said Cabinet considered and approved the national energy efficiency policy as presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning.

In other jurisdictions, using energy more efficiently has turned out to be one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and meet growing energy demand.

“The overall goal of the national energy efficiency policy is to institute energy efficiency programmes to promote sustainable development as the country transitions to an upper middle-income society in line with the objectives of Vision 2030,” said Dr Muswere.

“The policy is built on the principles of development, sustainability, affordability, accessibility, gender equity and employment creation”.

He said the Government will develop an Energy Efficiency Act and appropriate regulations, as well as a national energy efficiency strategy and action plan which will assist in the achievement of low-carbon development modalities and climate-resilient energy efficient systems.

“Furthermore, mandatory energy efficiency audits conducted by approved and certified energy auditors shall be prescribed.

“Minimum energy performance standards and regulations will be established and developed for selected energy end-users. The Government shall mandate intensive energy users, and encourage other industrial users to be certified by a recognised energy management standard such as the Energy Management Systems (ZWS ISO50001), amongst others,” said Dr Muswere.

He said the tools employed to stimulate energy efficiency were meant to promote and ensure a comprehensive, integrated and well informed energy efficiency strategy for effective socio-economic development and establish the roles and responsibilities for implementing energy efficiency initiatives and interventions in the country.