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Sallomy Matare Herald Reporter

Government is set to introduce a new Renewable Energy Policy which is expected to create a conducive environment for the development of renewable energy in the country.

The draft policy is undergoing Cabinet approval processes.

Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (Zera) renewable energy engineer Tobias Mudzingwa said the policy would spur investor interest in the sector.

“The upcoming Renewable Energy Policy is expected to create a conducive environment for investment and development of the renewable energy in Zimbabwe.

“It will certainly make it easier for solar project developers to get their projects take-off as it creates a conducive environment for such development,” said Eng Mudzingwa.

He added that the policy was designed to addressing challenges that are being faced in adopting use of renewable energy, while also providing incentives and regulatory instruments to boost uptake.

Presently, there is no policy on renewable energy except for the National Energy Policy of 2012, which promotes all energy sources.

Eng Mudzingwa said the Renewable Energy Policy is expected to be launched before year end. The policy comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with power shortages, with some areas going for over 12 hours without electricity.

Low water levels at Lake Kariba have caused electricity shortages.

The power challenges have already seen a number of companies jostling to start solar projects, with Centragrid (Pvt) Limited having starting started feeding 2,5MW into the national grid from last week.

Other companies such as Harava Solar and Matshela Energy are working on setting up 40MW and 100MW solar parks respectively.

Speaking during a roundtable meeting on Sustainable Development Goals in Harare recently, Ms Wadzanai Chiuriri, a Consolidated Africa Services alumni, said she would want the policy to allow everyone to participate in renewable energy.