Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
Renewable energy, with non-hydro sources added to the Kariba hydro, will soon contribute about 29 percent of the country’s power requirements, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has said.
Responding to questions posed by the media during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister stated that Zimbabwe already had expansive hydro-energy generation capacity at Kariba, notwithstanding climate change threats.
The country is now focusing on other renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and biogas.
“The renewable energy that we are talking about includes hydro, and Zimbabwe, as you know, without climate change, is already very high in terms of the percentage of renewable energy usage. What we want to concentrate on is non-hydro renewable energy, which includes solar, wind, geothermal and biogas. In both areas, we want to move up the value chain and see more players entering the non-hydro renewable energy sector.
“We remain engaged with hydro projects, with our standard piece being the Batoka Gorge, which we need to collaborate on with Zambia to bring to fruition,” he said.
On solar energy, Minister Moyo noted it was encouraging that Zimbabwean companies were embracing it and making efforts to incorporate it into their energy mix.
Mining and manufacturing companies are among those that have adopted solar energy.
“Solar is our second mainstay, and I’m pleased to say that Zimbabwean companies have taken up the mantle. They recognise that those producing materials or commodities for export can benefit from carbon credits, hence their investment in solar.
“We already have some companies implementing solar solutions; Caledonia Mining in Gwanda has commissioned solar capacity, while Zimplats has commissioned 25 megawatts and is building another 45 megawatts,” he said.
“Additionally, some ferrochrome manufacturers, particularly in the Midlands, are also integrating solar energy.”
The Energy Minister mentioned that solar energy stations are now being financed by local investors, reducing reliance on foreign financing.
“There are now financiers in Zimbabwe. We are not solely dependent on foreign investors. Pension schemes, insurance companies and others have recognised the profitability of renewable energy, leading to increased investment in solar energy.
“I know of a local insurance company and a pension scheme already investing in 100 megawatts. By the end of this month, they will commission 10 megawatts and expect to continue on to produce 100 megawatts.
“We are in discussions with various companies, whether they are producing for captive power or for sale to the grid, and we believe that non-hydro renewable energy will ultimately contribute, as indicated in our energy compact, about 29 percent of the country’s demand,” he stated.
