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Nqobile Bhebhe and Leonard Ncube, Chronicle Writers

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 5th edition of the International Renewable Energy Conference in Victoria Falls today as the adoption of renewable energy is fast being embraced by both private and public sector players who are increasingly realising the benefits of partnering with the Government in scaling up clean energy production.

By harnessing the power of the sun for solar energy, businesses are tapping into a sustainable and renewable energy source, reducing reliance on conventional power systems, especially hydro, which is also prone to the effects of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

President Mnangagwa is the patron of the conference, which began on Wednesday and is organised by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development and partners under the theme: “Building a sustainable energy future”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Dr Gloria Magombo yesterday said the conference has so far been an eye opener and platform for the Government to engage with technology and project developers, financiers, researchers and other partners.

“Tomorrow (today) we will have the official opening by His Excellency President Mnangagwa who is the patron for the International Renewable Energy Conference and we look forward to his guidance as he gives direction in terms of how the country is moving forward to ensure that we increase renewable energy in our energy mix,” she said.

With thermal power generation at Hwange Power Station subdued due to ageing equipment and generation at Kariba limited by low water levels, renewable energy particularly solar has been slowly closing the gap with the provision of electricity both at private individual and commercial levels.

Government came up with the net metering concept where those producing solar energy can feed excess power to the grid.

Other renewable energy options include wind, hydro and hydrogen sources.

 The envisaged Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Project is one other mega project that Government is pursuing and the delegates visited the site on the Zambezi River about 47km downstream from Victoria Falls to have an appreciation of the project.

The conference is also discussing unlocking financing, the impact of climate change, storage and the need to enter into partnerships. The conference comes at a time when the country and region are facing energy challenges compounded by the negative impact of climate change and financial investment challenges.

Yesterday, deliberations were around the need to learn from experts on solutions in renewable energy, applicability, technology transfer, battery storage, business collaborations and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, with case studies of successful projects being presented. 

The need to provide energy to off-grid communities was also featured in the discussions in an effort to ensure there are sustainable smart villages.

Delegates include Government officials, financiers, diplomatic missions, technology suppliers, independent power producers, academia, and partners like United Nations agencies.

Amid heightened consciousness of environmental conservation and the need to curb harmful emissions as part of global climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, Zimbabwe is increasing its focus on developing alternative clean energy sources.

The country has already made an ambitious commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent on its Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) by 2030 through providing communities with alternative energy and proper waste management.

To complement this effort more local companies have started using renewable energy such as solar while broader initiatives such as investing in new smaller hydro-power plants, wind and establishment of bio-digesters in rural areas are being worked on.

Companies such as the diversified crocodile breeder, Padenga, Ariston, and Tanganda have made strides towards establishing alternative sources of energy like solar to power their operations.

Mining firms have also taken the initiative to reduce over-reliance on energy from the national grid. Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) listed resources group Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, constructed a 12,2MW solar plant at its Gwanda-based gold producer Blanket Mine.

Another strategic mining entity- platinum group-metals (PGMs) giant, Zimplats has spent over US$1 million on the first phase of its 35 megawatt solar project at the Selous Metallurgical Complex with the final phase scheduled for completion in 2027 at a total project cost estimate of US$201 million.

According to NDS1, energy is a key enabler of the acceleration of the country’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda, as well as sustainable socioeconomic growth.

To address perennial power shortages in the country, the Government is undertaking several electricity generation projects, most of which are financed by extra-budgetary funds, loans and the private sector.