Source: Govt targets 2 100MW renewable energy by 2030 – herald
Raymond Jaravaza
ZIMBABWE is focused on accelerating renewable energy development, harnessing efficiency initiatives and climate-resilient growth to meet the Government’s target of producing 2 100MW of renewable energy by 2030.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi said this yesterday at the Renewable Energy Conference in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province.
The event highlighted the country’s ambitions to transition away from coal towards renewable energy sources, with a clean energy target of more than 25 percent (2 100MW) excluding hydro power over the next five years.
The conference attracted entities such as the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), several Rural District Councils (RDCs), educational institutions and other players in the energy sector.
“Government’s target to achieve 2 100 MW installed renewable energy excluding large hydro power supply by the year 2030 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all,” said VP Mohadi.
“This is key to balance, diversify sources of energy and power supply to the country’s economy to improve reliability and availability while at the same time building resilience to climate change.”
He said the Government has put in place robust and forward-looking policy frameworks that are aligned with global energy sector trends to support sustainable energy development.
“Key policy initiatives include the National Renewable Energy Policy, which promotes the use of renewable energy technologies, aiming to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional energy forms, as well as the National Energy Efficiency Policy that targets energy efficiency in households, industry, mining, transport, commerce and agriculture.
“The National Energy Compact (2025) represents a bold commitment by Government to accelerate progress towards universal access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy.
“It’s a key instrument guiding the country’s transition towards a low-carbon and inclusive energy future,” said VP Mohadi.
To support the policy framework, the Government introduced tax incentives to lower entry barriers for investors in renewable energy and financial support systems that encourage the deployment of off-grid technologies across the country.
“Government scrapped licensing fees for capacity less than 10MW and has reduced licensing fees by 50 percent, especially for renewable energy technology projects and also put in place a facility that allows for qualifying energy projects to increase bankability and reduce investor risk particularly around currency volatility and tariff uncertainty,” said the Vice President.
“To date seven IPPs (Independent Power Producers) have been granted Government Project Support Agreement (GPSAs) while the IPPs to have access to Pension Funds through designating prescribed asset status and at the same time they are exempt from paying import duty on capital equipment for electricity generation.
“The private sector remains a key partner in the effective implementation of these policies. This is, therefore, a critical moment to strengthen collaboration and partnerships to accelerate the green energy transition and advance rural industrialisation in line with Vision 2030.”
The Vice President said the Government has electrified a total of 6 713 Rural Public Institutions (RPIs) out of a total of 8 922 using both grid and solar throughout the country.
About 68 percent of primary schools, secondary schools (79 percent) and 97 percent of clinics have already been electrified.
“Government has also taken certain initiatives to accelerate rural energy access through grid extension and promoting decentralised off-grid systems and other forms of energy such as biogas and LPG,” he said.
“This has seen an improvement in access to clean cooking technologies with a rise in the use of LPG even in the rural areas.”
To support the usage of solar technologies, the Government is at an advanced stage of setting up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre with the assistance from International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.
Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, who also attended the event, said public-private partnerships are key to meeting the set targets of producing 2 100MW in the next five years.
“Government cannot do it alone so we are saying public-private partnerships are key for us to meet our targets, hence it is essential that local authorities co-own energy projects and participate in power purchase agreements.
“Cabinet has already approved the relevant Statutory Instrument (SI) that will allow local authorities to do that,” said Minister Moyo.
In a speech read on his behalf by Matabeleland South provincial director for infrastructure development and environment, Mr Daniel Njowa, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Albert Nguluvhe said various provinces hold immense potential and strategic importance in energy development.
He said the region represents significant opportunities for energy development, particularly in solar energy generation, given its climatic condition.
“As we gather here today, we do so at a critical time. The energy sector is facing pressing challenges, including increasing demand, infrastructure constraints, and the global imperative to transition towards cleaner energy systems,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“This conflict provides us with a valuable platform to engage, reflect, and collaborate. As the office responsible for provincial affairs and devolution, we affirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports investment, enhances efficiency, and promotes inclusive and sustainable energy development across Matabeleland South province.”
The event ran under the theme: “Harnessing Solar PV for Productive Use in Agriculture, Artisanal Mining and Rural Communities for Sustainable Development”.
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