Zimpapers Logo

Walter Mswazie
THE government is crafting a policy on renewable energy meant to address supply gaps and create a good environment for investment in the sector, a senior government official has said.

The new policy will give guidelines on how the sector should operate as well as achieving the energy for all target by 2030.

Addressing private and public players in the energy sector during “power for all campaign” launch in Harare recently, Energy and Power Development Ministry permanent secretary, Partson Mbiriri, said the new policy will address a number of loopholes in the energy sector and improve efficiency.

Mr Mbiriri said the government was also working on developing a rural energy master plan under the Rural Electrification Fund (Ref) so as to improve access of renewable energy for the rural populace.

“Zimbabwe is currently in the process of developing a Renewable Energy Policy to provide the sector with guidelines and a roadmap for creating a more conducive environment for attracting investment therein.

The policy is set to address most of the gaps, such as possible incentives for increased uptake and investment in renewable energy and legislation.

Equally important is the development of the Rural Master Plan – a process, which is well underway through the Rural Electrification Fund,” said Mr Mbiriri.

He said through the Ref the government has improved access to energy for rural communities through grid extension, and setting up of solar systems to institutions such as schools, clinics and hospitals as well as developing institutional bio-digesters.

Mr Mbiriri said in order to address issues of energy efficiency the government is installing prepaid metres for households and solar water geysers through the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.

“We’re also extending Kariba South Hydro-Power Station, rehabilitating Hwange Thermal Station, Gwanda, Insukamini, Munyati Solar projects, and diesel powered generation in Seke together with Mutare Peaking Plant.

We’re happy that power for all campaign complements these government efforts by bringing practical recommendations and lessons from other African countries on how our nation can achieve universal access for all faster, cheaper in a more sustainable way,” he added.