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Tsitsi Tasaranarwo Herald correspondent
The private sector should invest in, and fund national renewable energy power stations as Zimbabwe moves towards harnessing all forms of clean energy to feed into the national grid and especially the mini-grids in rural communities.
Speaking at the United Nations Development Programme, Minister of Energy and Power Development Zhemu Soda said only 54 percent of Zimbabweans have electricity supplies, and while small portable solar systems were helping some rural households, there was need for bigger stations.
“According to the recent statistics, the country has an electricity penetration of rate of 54 percent. This position is not desirable considering that a large number of people , particularly in rural areas lack access to modern energy services.
“In fact , electricity access levels in rural areas is below 20 percent with the balance available to urbanities . Although we have seen increased penetration of small portable solar systems, our challenge remains that of funding relatively bigger projects which will increase access to modern energy as we journey toward 2030.”
Government is seeking potential investors to fund the renewable mini-grids which will supply clean and sustainable energy in rural communities for solar water pumping and household use as the country moves towards 2030.
“Renewable energy has been identified globally as a low fruit in realising the goal of increasing electrification of rural communities. In the Zimbabwe, the crucial role being played by renewable energy especially the mini grid systems will see rapid deployment of clean sustainable energy in rural communities.
“Through the rural electrification fund (REF)the government of Zimbabwe is looking for partners who can fund or facilitate funding for rural based renewable energy mini-grids and other renewable energy-based technologies like solar water pumping and irrigation for communities.
“The girl child remains key in our initiatives as we seek to level the playing field for both boys and girls. I also believe that it is time we begin to seek to level the playing field for both boys and girls. I also believe that it is time we begin to see rapid development of distributed renewable energy technologies in our homes to improve communication, modern technology assisted learning, modern entertainment, better lighting, cleaner cooking and heating among applications.”
Mr Fungai Matura UNDP regional officer advisor at the forum investment programme said that UNDP is working with other many countries over the globe for sustainable renewable energy as well as focusing on providing hospitals with renewable energy.
“Together with our partners, UNDP is already supporting over 100 countries globally to scale up sustainable energy and transition towards an inclusive, green economy.
“Looking at solar is focusing on energising health facilities throughout Africa. The idea behind solar for health is to try to move away from a situation whereby if there is no funding available it will look up for hardware at a clinic or hospital. Three and four years down the line the system is no longer working because maybe people with the technical skills are no longer available.”
Amplivolt solar invertor project manager Joseph Nzvere said that they are intending to upscale their production. Since 2018 their project was self-funded and they are trying to upscale trying to promote energy efficiency. They are searching for potential investors for funding.
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