The Government of Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts and mechanisms for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, emphasizing the need for development of renewable energy projects and supporting energy efficiency in all sectors to achieve a low carbon development path.
According to recent information availed by Mr Elisha Moyo, Principal Climate Change Researcher in the Climate Change Management department of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the National Designated Authority (NDA) is calling for input which will shape the upcoming Readiness Project and GCF country pipeline. Mr Moyo is also the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), National Designated Entity and Green Climate Fund Alternate National Focal Point (NFP) contact person.
According to the Climate Change Management Department, the energy sector is responsible for 23% of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in Zimbabwe and there is need for further development of renewable energy projects to enhance access to sustainable energy for all.
Developing renewable energy projects and supporting energy efficiency in all sectors is a key pre-requisite to support a low carbon development pathway, which ultimately address the National Climate Policy vision of a “Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Zimbabwe.”
To date, there are three projects in the portfolio which match with the national priority, with an estimated combined total request for funding from GCF of USD $35.6 million and combined co-financing of USD $80.9 million. The responsible office reports that the National Biodiesel Project, established by the government of Zimbabwe, stands out in the section as it provides a multiplicity of socio-economic benefits. It is reported that the project is seeking a USD $9.8 million loan from GCF, with co-financing of up to USD $12 million from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and co-financing of USD 52.2 million from the government of Zimbabwe. The total amount is USD $74 million.
The project has already begun processing biodiesel for the market, with a biodiesel plant with an installed capacity of 3000 litres per day and 60 000 hectares out of 15 000 hectares of Jatropha estate being certified by Environmental Management Agency (EMA). Plans for the project include the establishment of a 5MW solar power grid to support climate smart irrigation addressing the challenge of financing irrigation schemes in natural farming Region V and feeding excess energy into the national grid.
The Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS) highlights biodiesel under the road transport category alone, whereas it can also provide an alternative source of electricity generation. Another renewable energy project entails the distribution and installation of Pay As You Go or use solar at home, commercially, for water pumps and hot water systems for both rural and urban clients for a total of USD$23 million. One other project targets energy efficiency through refrigeration and air conditioning within the industrial sector for a total of USD$2.5 million, according to the department.
