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Sikhulekelani Moyo, Business Reporter
THE adoption of renewable energy investments 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.
Amid heightened consciousness on 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 trim 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 like 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.
Speaking during a recent Zimbabwe Climate Change Conference Agenda in Bulawayo, participating organisations and industry representatives said renewable energy absorption has started making impact.

Representing the private sector, Ms Melisa Murwira, said the industry was ready to play its part in meeting national emissions reduction targets and reported that some of the country’s top companies such as Schweppes, Delta, Econet and others have already established successful alternative energy projects to meet their needs.

“Delta and Schweppes are doing a lot in reducing emissions as they have large roof-top solar panels,” she said.
“In terms of plastic waste management, they are working with Petreco Zim that is in Harare to recycle plastic.”

Those in the agriculture sector said adoption of smart agriculture strategies and limiting methane gas emissions and investment in irrigation, soil and water management were key adaptive approaches.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA), together with support partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and others, have been on the forefront in rolling out new renewable energy projects and driving awareness campaigns across the country.

“There is installation of solar panels nationwide by Ministry of Energy and Power Development who are also pushing for a mini-hydro power plant targeted for Lake Tugwi-Mukosi,” said Valerie Nengomwasha who presented on behalf of the energy sector.

She said the ministry is also initiating small projects like tsotso stoves, which require small and little amount of wood for cooking as a way to reduce deforestation.

Ms Nengomwasha said organisations like Action 24, which work with the youth constituency, were engaged in ‘green schools” initiative that seeks to capacitate pupils at primary and secondary level on clean energy solutions.
It emerged during the meeting that UNDP working closely with the Government, has supported implementation of solar projects at about 1 000 health facilities across the country.

The Zimbabwe Climate Change Conference Agenda was meant to discuss climate change issues and make contributions to the country’s position paper as countries are preparing for Conference of Parties on climate Change to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt from 7 to 8 November. – @Sikhulekelani Moyo.