Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
A Presidential Rural Solarisation Scheme targeting the installation of more than 1.2 million 1-kilowatt solar systems is set to be launched, with the Rural Infrastructure Development Authority (RIDA) having already commenced the procurement process.
Dr Gloria Magombo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, revealed this while presenting oral evidence on the implementation of national renewable energy initiatives before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Security.
She said the ministry is aiming to increase access to clean energy by 38 percent, particularly in rural communities.
“We will be seeking your support as we launch the strategy, which is meant to ensure that we reduce the use of firewood, especially in rural communities. I think we were looking at increasing access to clean energy by 38 percent. We want to increase access even further, especially for cooking.
“When it comes to progress, we have implemented several systems through the private sector and the Rural Electrification Fund. We have one of the big systems coming in. The Presidential Rural Solarisation Scheme, which is intended to install over 1.2 million one-kilowatt solar systems, will be launched soon.
“These are already under procurement and are being installed in some of our rural communities through RIDA,” she said.
Dr Magombo added that the Energy Ministry has engaged the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) to develop a curriculum for colleges to train solar technicians.
She also said Government is promoting the establishment of local assembly plants for renewable energy technologies.
“We have asked ZIMDEF to develop a curriculum that will allow our colleges to train solar technicians. This is an important area.
“One of the areas where we have put financial incentives, mainly tax incentives, is the removal of duties to ensure that we are able to bring in the technologies.
“If you look at our renewable energy policy, we want to encourage the establishment of factories that can perhaps start by assembling these renewable energy technologies and eventually produce them locally,” said Dr Magombo.
