ZAMBIA has traditionally relied on hydro power generated from some of its water bodies like Lake Kariba, Kafue Gorge Lower, and waterfalls found in certain parts of the country.
The electricity generated from these water sources is used in different industries like mines and manufacturing, by small and medium enterprises, as well as for household usage like heating, cooking and lighting.
However, due to the devastating effects of climate change which have affected the whole world, Zambia has been facing challenges of generating adequate electricity.
This is because of the unpredictable and unreliable rainfall which often results in low water levels in the Kariba Dam and other water reservoirs from which power is generated.
Whenever the country faces drought, electricity generation is so severely affected that there is insufficient power for industries, small businesses, and for household utilisation.
This situation leads to load management, otherwise known as load-shedding by most consumers of electricity, which affects businesses and people’s livelihoods.
When there is load management, the country experiences many hours of power outages, which adversely affect people’s livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, Government has been exploring ways of ensuring that the country has stable generation of electricity to prevent outages which affect economic activities, hence slowing national development.
It is, therefore, good news that Zesco has found it prudent to start heavily investing in alternative sources of energy to avoid over-reliant on hydro-electricity.
According to Zesco managing director Victor Mapani, the company will be mobilising US$10 million every year to invest in solar energy as part of Government’s resolve to ensure that the country has alternative sources of power.
Last Thursday, Mr Mapani revealed that Zesco is resolved to invest in alternative energy sources to complement hydro-power generation.
“We are putting up on our own US$10 million every year. US$10 million every year, we will be building our own as Zesco-owned solar plants. We are pushing that kind of money, yearly,” he stated.
Zesco should be commended for this long overdue investment as it will result in the country having abundant energy even during times of drought.
In fact, as a renewable source, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Solar energy is an environmentally friendly technology, a great energy supply and one of the most significant renewable and green energy sources.
It plays a substantial role in achieving sustainable development of energy solutions. Therefore, the massive amount of solar energy attainable daily makes it a very attractive resource for generating electricity.
There is no denying the importance of solar energy. The return on investment of going solar is highly valuable, and not just financially, but for the sake of public health and environmental sustainability.
There is a reason why so many homeowners and businesses are turning to solar power. The benefits are undeniable, and not just for individuals, but for the planet as a whole.
The importance of solar energy is vast, providing benefits on a micro level for home and business owners, as well as for the whole of society and our planet.
Solar power is a primary pillar of a clean energy future for us all. That is why Zesco deserves a pat on the back for planning to heavily invest in solar energy.
Investing in solar progressive
ZAMBIA has traditionally relied on hydro power generated from some of its water bodies like Lake Kariba, Kafue Gorge Lower, and waterfalls found in certain parts of the country.
The electricity generated from these water sources is used in different industries like mines and manufacturing, by small and medium enterprises, as well as for household usage like heating, cooking and lighting.
However, due to the devastating effects of climate change which have affected the whole world, Zambia has been facing challenges of generating adequate electricity.
This is because of the unpredictable and unreliable rainfall which often results in low water levels in the Kariba Dam and other water reservoirs from which power is generated.
Whenever the country faces drought, electricity generation is so severely affected that there is insufficient power for industries, small businesses, and for household utilisation.
This situation leads to load management, otherwise known as load-shedding by most consumers of electricity, which affects businesses and people’s livelihoods.
When there is load management, the country experiences many hours of power outages, which adversely affect people’s livelihoods.
Against this backdrop, Government has been exploring ways of ensuring that the country has stable generation of electricity to prevent outages which affect economic activities, hence slowing national development.
It is, therefore, good news that Zesco has found it prudent to start heavily investing in alternative sources of energy to avoid over-reliant on hydro-electricity.
According to Zesco managing director Victor Mapani, the company will be mobilising US$10 million every year to invest in solar energy as part of Government’s resolve to ensure that the country has alternative sources of power.
Last Thursday, Mr Mapani revealed that Zesco is resolved to invest in alternative energy sources to complement hydro-power generation.
“We are putting up on our own US$10 million every year. US$10 million every year, we will be building our own as Zesco-owned solar plants. We are pushing that kind of money, yearly,” he stated.
Zesco should be commended for this long overdue investment as it will result in the country having abundant energy even during times of drought.
In fact, as a renewable source, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Solar energy is an environmentally friendly technology, a great energy supply and one of the most significant renewable and green energy sources.
It plays a substantial role in achieving sustainable development of energy solutions. Therefore, the massive amount of solar energy attainable daily makes it a very attractive resource for generating electricity.
There is no denying the importance of solar energy. The return on investment of going solar is highly valuable, and not just financially, but for the sake of public health and environmental sustainability.
There is a reason why so many homeowners and businesses are turning to solar power. The benefits are undeniable, and not just for individuals, but for the planet as a whole.
The importance of solar energy is vast, providing benefits on a micro level for home and business owners, as well as for the whole of society and our planet.
Solar power is a primary pillar of a clean energy future for us all. That is why Zesco deserves a pat on the back for planning to heavily invest in solar energy.