Zimbabwe Joins SADC’s Renewable Energy Initiative to Boost Energy Access and Strengthen Mining Sector
The Government of Zimbabwe has recently approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States to establish the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE), a crucial step towards achieving universal access to sustainable modern energy by 2030.
By Ryan Chigoche
Presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, this agreement aligns Zimbabwe with regional efforts to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across Southern Africa.
SACREEE, to be hosted by Namibia, will play a pivotal role in facilitating access to clean energy, enhancing energy security, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies throughout the region. For Zimbabwe, this partnership will unlock opportunities to enhance the deployment of clean energy solutions, foster the development of energy-efficient technologies, and promote skills development and capacity building in the renewable energy sector.
One of the key impacts of this agreement will be its positive effect on Zimbabwe’s mining sector, a major pillar of the national economy.
Mining operations, which are energy-intensive, will significantly benefit from the promotion of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
As part of the SACREEE initiative, Zimbabwe will gain access to technical resources, funding, and expertise to integrate renewable energy solutions into the mining sector. This shift towards clean energy will reduce the sector’s reliance on costly and environmentally harmful fossil fuels, ultimately lowering operational costs and boosting the profitability of mining projects.
Furthermore, mining companies will be encouraged to adopt energy-efficient practices, contributing to cost savings while reducing their environmental footprint.
This is particularly relevant in a context where energy security is critical to the continued growth and stability of the mining sector, which is often affected by power shortages and unreliable electricity supply.
The initiative will also help create a favourable environment for the scaling up of renewable energy projects within the mining industry, with the establishment of pilot projects, demonstration sites, and renewable energy ecosystems.
These developments will provide mining companies with viable models to follow, encouraging greater investment in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Additionally, Zimbabwean mining professionals will benefit from specialized training programs, enhancing their technical expertise in renewable energy technologies and energy management.
Ultimately, the SACREEE initiative will not only contribute to Zimbabwe’s national energy goals but will also catalyze growth within the mining sector, enabling it to become more sustainable, cost-efficient, and competitive in the global market.