Is it possible to completely phase out coal? 

The question on whether Zimbabwe is yet to completely phase out coal or not, will largely depend on verifiable actions put in place as a way of determining the extent at which the country is honouring its pledge to reduce carbon emissions in line with the Paris Accord of 2015. In the same instant the systematic actions are expected to avert the likelihood of major setbacks associated with the just transition phase. This article seeks to unravel various scenarios and pathways that are associated with the subject matter, particularly on Zimbabwe’s readiness to abandon coal in the context of ‘Just Transition’ mode.

The call to phase out coal became prominent and worthwhile to debate on, following the resolutions passed during the Paris Agreement, a ‘historic agreement’ of 2015 which is now binding all nations to urgently act towards reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, coal is a carbon emitting substance and has been for decades categorized as a major source of energy in the developing worlds. Following the agreement, most Nexus 1 Nations (Developed Countries) quickly moved the motion to decelerate the demand for coal with European Union taking a lead role in stopping the financing of coal related projects. By doing so, the move sounded a bit more awkward to the developing world who are still in the futile stage of embracing the ‘Just Transition’. This might be attributed to a number of factors ranging from lack of political will, the transition gap with the developed world, climate financing issues, green investment plans and economic doldrums among other factors. Zimbabwe’s readiness to abandon coal has been a topical issue for the generality of citizens and relevant stakeholders in the climate change circles. This emanates from pieces of legislation put in place to the level of adherence with regards to walking the talk on policy implementation and adherence.

Currently, Zimbabwe gets much of its electricity supply from Kariba Hydro Power Station and Hwange Power Station and these two have been failing to proffer enough energy supply countrywide. Statistics flighted on Zimbabwe Power Company’s online portal indicate that depending on water inflows into the Lake Kariba, the station can generate a maximum of 5000 GW with a load factor of 80 percent. Hwange Power Station, the largest coal-fired power station has 920MW installed capacity which comprises of 4x120MW and 2×220 MW units. The Hwange Colliery Company has a conveyor belt that measures 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) long and brings about 1,750 tonnes (1,750,000 kg) of coal per hour from the nearby Wankie Colliery open cast mine. 250,000 tonnes of coal are stockpiled on site.

This informs the amount of carbon emissions that are constantly emitted during energy generation processes. However, the energy production at the power station has seen more energy being lost during power generation as compared to the amount being consumed. The improper modus operandi has been referred to as energy inefficiency by energy experts in the country. This therefore, inevitably calls for a quick transition to cleaner and safer energies. Nevertheless, calling for an abrupt end of operations at the Hwange Power Station might create power deficit for the country, especially in the absence of green investments to further the highly anticipated ‘Just Transition’. In an interview with Africa’s revered Climate Change technical expert and Climate Negotiator to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Veronica Jakarasi Gundu said that the country has a lot of opportunities that might add value in ensuring a transition towards cleaner and safe energy such as hydro and other forms of renewable energy. “The ‘Just Transition’ in developing countries might depend on climate finance issues, for instance in Zimbabwe we can talk of a successful transition looking at our ability to upscale hydro projects and maximum utilization of other forms of renewable energy in the country.” However, the pace of green investments in the country started on a gradual pace thereby limiting the chances of a successful transition. The government at one point went at crossroads with environmentalists following the moves to expand the Hwange Power Station at a time when the globe is calling for an abrupt end to the use of coal and fossil fuels. However, the government’s moves were informed with the justification that the expansion of the plant had less effects on country’s emissions profile since it was reduced in size from the intended plan.

Lawrence Mashungu,  a Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Finance Expert reiterated that the transition from coal to other forms of energy would require a smooth and gradual flow until all sectors are fully equipped with the latest recommended modes of energy. “We cannot abruptly switch off Hwange Power Station because our renewable energy plans have to mature first. When this happens, there will be a smooth switch from fossil fuels. It’s a learning process for everyone involved, and we are hopeful we will get to a stage where we are fully utilizing renewable energy.” The quest to ensure a successful transition is enshrined in the launch of popular documents such as the Low Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS), Renewable Energy Polices and Draft Energy Efficiency Policy among others. According to Tinashe Mangosho, the Country Director for Sustainable Climate Action Trust,  pieces of legislation provide a path way towards a successful transition and might need a master plan backup in ensuring an adequate financing mechanism. “The polices are there, ranging from the Climate Change Response Strategy, the Low Emissions Development Strategy, the Renewable Energy Policy and many more. However, we cannot just abandon coal without having enough finances to make sure that we fully implement all these polices.”

Recently, the local media newspapers published a story in which Zimbabwe and Zambia jointly started works on the Batoka Hydro Power Project. With the slow pace on the implementation of renewable projects, the chances for the country to effectively abandon coal might take a meandering pathway. This might also affect the country’s reporting mechanisms and commitment on emissions reduction to the UNFCCC. The call to phase out coal has made headlines during COP 26 in Glasgow and is expected to be among top matters to be discussed during COP 27 to be held in Egypt Africa this year. The developing world is still at crossroads with regards to ensure transition from coal use against the anticipated timelines of phase out. The most probable move will have to see Africa’s Climate Change Negotiators and Technical Experts interrogating issues of climate finance and support to the developing world in the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP 27). This will inevitably provide a way in striking a balance amid the “Transition Period”.