With the price of energy ever fluctuating and security of supply never guaranteed in most countries, there is an imperative to move towards renewable energy technologies. Not only is renewable energy affordable in the long run, it is also cleaner to the environment. This is sweet music to nature enthusiasts as the world struggles with emerging challenges such as climate change and global warming.

For business, renewable energy offers a profitable solution to companies because they can free-up themselves from depending on purchased power. Renewable energy can even make companies be able to sell excess power to the grid through net metering mechanisms. There is a general agreement that reliance on fossil fuels will make the world vulnerable as this source exists in finite quantities which may deplete in future.

Leading applications of renewable energy have been demonstrated in different parts of the world. Globally it has been clearly demonstrated that solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and wave power will usher the world into a cleaner future. Germany, Sweden and Netherlands have made strides to be amongst the leading countries in the renewable energy apply sector.

National targets have seen ambitious plans to power economies tapping into renewable energy sources. Schipol International Airport in Netherlands has succeeded to become the greenest airport in the world and it implements various green initiatives. These range from effective waste segregation systems at sources, solar buses for mobility at the airport and getting energy supplies from wind farms. This shows the ability of renewable energy to stretch beyond the limits of humanity. Renewable energy has the potential to boost economic growth, create green jobs and increase revenue generating potential.

The challenge is how to get governments across the globe to prioritise investments in renewable energy. Governments can implement Renewable Energy Policies, provide financing for renewable energy, duty rebates and economic incentives to regard potential investments in renewable energy.

Renewable Energy Feed in Tariffs (REFIT) have been successful in Kenya, Netherlands and India amongst other countries. The REFIT policy instruments help to define the tariffs that any investors will receive upon feeding energy into the grid. The traditional model where power utilities had the sole mandate of generating and supplying energy to the population is well past its time. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) can help to complement power supply in both developing and developed countries.

In Zimbabwe, registration of IPPs is carried out by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). This is the case in several other countries and may vary slightly in a case where an Energy Commission exists or registration carried out through the relevant ministry. In March 2020, Zimbabwe launched the National Renewable Energy Policy to provide guidance and policy direction in the renewable energy sector. The National Biofuels Policy was also launched.

Zimbabwe has already witnessed companies like Econet investing massively in renewable energy technology specifically solar for rooftop installation in order to supply power for their offices. In addition leading beverages firm Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited launched a 1 Megawatt solar energy project at its industrial premises – the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa outside South Africa. This project was commissioned by the Minister of Energy and Power Development – Advocate (Hon) Fortune Chasi and Minister of Industry and Commerce – (Hon) Sekai Nzenza. These emerging case studies are a true demonstration of the potential for renewable energy to drive socio-economic development in Zimbabwe.

Key considerations when planning renewable energy include the availability of equipment, quality of equipment, competence of installers and a clear plan of operation and maintenance. With renewable energy consumption set to increase exponentially across the world, it is becoming increasingly possible to build a low-carbon-resource efficient and resilient economy. The transformation must begin now!

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

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