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 Africa Moyo and Nomvelo Siziba

CALLS for Zimbabwe and its regional peers to diversify the energy mix are growing in the face of the adverse effects of climate change on power generation.

Power generation at the two Kariba hydro stations has fallen significantly after regional droughts cut Zambezi River flows.

Even small weather changes, like a storm at Hwange, cut power genera­tion at the large thermal station for a day when one of the three coal mines faced flooding and coal stocks at the station became wet.

Thermal power generation using coal no longer excites many inves­tors, however, if the Muzarabani gas fields are proven this would bring in investors for a gas station, while hydro power is affected by erratic rains.

Secretary for Energy and Power Development Dr Gloria Magombo told over 150 delegates to the 16th edi­tion of the Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA) annual general meeting and confer­ence in Victoria Falls on Thursday that it was time SADC diversified its energy mix to ensure a steady supply of electricity.

“We witnessed the economic impact of climate change on one of the largest power suppliers, Kariba Power Station, and we need to learn how to mitigate such calamities in future,” said Dr Magombo in her closing remarks yesterday evening.

“From the deliberations that took place during this week, it is clear that we cannot continue doing the same things and expect different results. Surely, increasing and diversifying the energy mix is the way to go.

“Investment in innovation, digitisa­tion and other research and develop­ment thrust in the energy sector are key interventions which will introduce a radical shift and accelerate efforts towards increased access.”

Dr Magombo said President Mnan­gagwa’s Vision 2030, of attaining an upper middle income status, requires improved, clean and sustainable energy supply. She said that vision resonated with other SADC member states.

“The emphasis on investment has been very clear and that as SADC we are a market with many competitive advantages. The evidence of traction towards increasing access is there at regional level and what is needed is some acceleration,” she said.

Dr Magombo said the political will was there at regional level as evidenced by Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi’s call for the region to cooperate to boost the avail­ability of power.

She said technical input and invest­ment remained the outstanding issues, which should be addressed by experts, including the energy regulators.

About half the SADC population has no access to modern energy.

RERA wants all the people to have access to modern power so that no one is left behind.

Said Dr Magombo: “Consumers in the region want to see improved action while investors expect a change in approach and us as Government look out for quick turnaround on key decisions.” The conference, which officially ends today with an annual general meeting, ran from Sunday under the theme, “Creating a condu­cive environment to enhance regional energy security, trade and investment”.