Zera Magazine Edition 1(Energy and Power insider) by Caast Media Group

ZERA

MAGAZINE ISSUE 01

FIRST EDITION

SODA ZHEMU RENEWABLE Energy Sector’s ENERGY Game A Dream of Many Years interview with the Minister pros, cons and questions Comes True Changer

THE ZIMBABWE ENERGY REGULATORY AUTHORITY MAGAZINE

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Interesting read

Contents

RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ZIMBABWE – PROS, CONS AND QUESTIONS

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Renewable Energy In Zimbabwe Pros, Cons and Questions

49 Interview Speaking to the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Soda Zhemu.

Biomass vs Biogas Geothermal Energy

281

Electric Vehicles The future of EVs in Zimbabwe

491 Wind Energy A closer look at Zimbabwe and wind power generation

431

541

391

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Editor's letter Welcome to ZERA’s first edition, celebrating the milestone of ten great years of service. The publication is an all-in-one overview Zimbabwe’s energy sector which seeks to reengage with all stakeholders. We are on a drive to constantly bring new initiatives that foster rearrangement of crucial energy assets and contribute significantly to the global push for cleaner energy and improved air quality. This means that the former and current energy sources are either about to enter or are in the midst of a flux period dictated by impending legislation and technology. A couple of factors ranging from changes in energy, the environment to our knowledge of these topics have been rapidly impacting the landscape of our planet. As most countries try to gain control of their environmental footprint, a shift in industries occurs in assessing energy and environmental policies being used by researchers and scientists in the energy and environmental fields. We need to constantly encourage new strategies aimed at energy and environment revitalisation as they will ultimately lead to better employment, more options for energy consumers, and a cleaner environment with a low carbon footprint.

As Zimbabwe develops and decides on energy sources in line with environmental rulings it’s critical to have an in-depth understanding of all these facts being pondered at a global scale and as the national regulator it’s imperative ZERA takes the lead in bringing such vital information to you. ZERA is mandated to regulate the entire energy sector in Zimbabwe for the benefit of the consumers and energy suppliers. Its vision states that it is a “Regulator that promotes universal access to sustainable energy by 2030”, while the mission says “ZERA regulates the Zimbabwean energy market cost effectively, through incentive regulation and in a fair and transparent manner to achieve sustainable energy.” ZERA aims to have improved organisational capacity, increased regulatory compliance, enhanced cost reflectivity of energy prices and increased uptake of modern energy while others are enhanced energy efficiencies and improved stakeholder satisfaction. Explore with us as we look into a better greener future.

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Soda Zhemu

Zimbabwe Minister of Energy and Power Development Interview

1. Are developing countries ready to be fully competitive in the sustainable energy market and start moving towards being completely green or do we still need to primarily focus on just having enough power available regardless of source? Developing countries are ready to be fully competitive in the sustainable energy market on condition that adequate financial resources are made available. The energy resource base is huge and diverse especially in Africa. The major bottleneck is the lack of conversion technology and financial constraints. Given the abundance of renewable energy resources such as solar and other resources like biomass in most parts of Africa and other developing countries, competitiveness is inevitable. Climate change effects and environmental degradation point to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the energy sector by minimising the operation of coal and diesel fired power plants.

Any country requires reliable sources of power as baseload, but renewable sources of energy should be exploited at any opportunity available. Developing countries could be very competitive if they are leapfrogged into technology. The thrust should be to follow a low emission development strategy. 2. In line with international trends how is Zimbabwe moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy taking into account climate change? Zimbabwe under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TPS) launched the National Renewable Energy Policy (NREP) and the Biofuels Policy of Zimbabwe (BPZ) in 2019. These policies promote the adoption of modern renewable energy conversion technologies. The policies are backed up by statutory instruments that enable the waiver of import duty for projects in renewable energy. The country has submitted revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which seek to reduce GHG emissions by 40 % by 2030. The government through my Ministry has liberalised the electricity sector and opened it up to IPPs some of whom are already operational and feeding the national grid. Most IPPs are licensed in renewable energy power generation projects as opposed to traditional sources such as coal. The Rural Electrification Fund has also introduced an alternative energy department that is focusing on constructing biogas digesters and solar mini-grid systems in farms, schools, hospitals, prisons and homesteads. This reduces the use of firewood while improving on the health and education of beneficiaries. 3. Is there a long term plan to promote sustainable energy solutions so that our current power sources do not continue harming the environment and start falling in-line with the global ZERA MAGAZINE issue #01

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phenomenon of safeguarding the ozone layer and cutting down on our carbon footprint? The Ministry has set targets up to 2030, considering greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission targets set in the NDC objectives, demand supply projections, grid absorption capacity and ability of the utility to pay for such energy. These targets will gradually increase the percentage of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. There are plans to develop large hydropower projects such as the Batoka Hydroelectric Scheme construction. Work on feasibility studies has progressed satisfactorily. There are also plans to carry out feasibility studies for wind power generation in the country at a few sites identified through satellite imagery. The national utility, ZESA is developing a system development plan which would see different scenarios that seriously consider renewable energy to be part of the energy mix. The Rural Electrification Agency is also developing a Rural Energy Master Plan that would result in increased reliance on renewable energy. 4. What support systems do consumers have as renewable energy seems prohibitive especially on a large scale? Government has put incentives for importers of renewable energy products to ensure that prices become affordable to consumers. The government awards national project status to the Renewable Energy projects to enable projects to be exempted from the customs and general excise regulations. Government through Statutory Instrument 6 of 2016 and 63 of 2018 provides for duty free importation of capital equipment by the energy sector. Furthermore, SI 147 of 2010 allows for duty free importation of domestic storage water heaters, solar panels, components and other accessories of a solar home system. We also offer through Min of Finance, Prescribed Asset Status which allows for developers to borrow money to develop Renewable Energy Projects, from Insurance and Pension Funds. For

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consumers and producers, we also have SI 38 of 2022 which allows for banking excess power into the national grid. Essentially, this reduces the pressure to buy a battery bank for use after daylight hours 5. Are there incentives for household consumption i.e. reducing the costs of solar geysers and solar panels, invertors, lithium batteries and possibly start encouraging local manufacturing of these critical components rather than importing, since most of the raw materials are locally available? As previously stated, SI 147 of 2010 has removed duty from solar geysers, solar panels (either assembled or in parts) and light emitting diodes to make them available to the general public and at the same time promoting the local manufacturers who import solar components for assembling. Through our various programs like the Net Metering Programme and the National Solar Water Heating Programme, we anticipate to have more local manufacturing of Renewable Energy technologies and more uptake of renewable energy. A number of our companies are now producing good quality solar battery systems at an affordable cost. 6. Any incentives for the transport industry too so that we stop pollution and encourage the use of hybrid and electric vehicles that ultimately reduce the carbon footprint? The government is in the process of coming up with an Electric Vehicle Policy which will have incentives for the electric motor industry and its support infrastructure such as charging stations in order to reduce the carbon footprint. This policy will also spell out the sources of electricity that will be used for the electric vehicle. We are also planning to introduce e-mass public vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint 7. Are there any government subsidies or incentives on the way for large industries/mining/ manufacturing to keep encouraging use of renewable energy?

As already mentioned Government awards National Project Status to eligible renewable energy projects. National Project Status qualifies the project to enjoy import duty rebate. Government also awards Prescribed Asset Status to renewable energy projects so that funds can be mobilized locally to develop the projects 8. All viable solutions of going green on a more permanent basis are expensive. Is the government working on feasible plan to remove import tariffs and speed up the process of going off grid and feeding excess renewable energy into the national grid? Government has already put in place a number of incentives to attract investment in the renewable energy sector. Currently work is on broadening the list of renewable energy equipment that qualify for existing incentives like import duty rebate. The Government is already funding solar mini-grid systems for productive and domestic use in rural areas. Very soon the first solar mini-grid project of about 21kW will be commissioned and this will be replicated in the remaining seven rural Provinces of the country. Corporate entities and domestic consumers are encouraged to connect to the national grid through the Net Metering Programme.

FACE THE NATION RESPONSES. Could the Ministry provide an update on the progress at Hwange, Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme, Kariba Dam Wall renovations and any other project of national interest. BGHES Project The Zambezi River Authority being the overseer of all projects to be developed along the Zambezi River shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia is on behalf of the two governments currently pursuing the construction of the 2,400MW Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme. The power is to be shared equally between the two countries.

The project was awarded on the 12th July,2019 to the Consortium of Power Construction Corporation of China Limited (Power China) and General Electric (GE) on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) development model. Pre-construction activities including negotiations and consultations on the proposals with and by the developer and technical teams are still ongoing with a view to reach financial close.

Plunge Pool Reshaping

Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies of 2019/2020, were completed culminating in the production of a draft ESIA report which has to be approved by the two environmental authorities.

Regarding the Spillway Refurbishment Works, the installation of stop logs to cofferdam sluice 2, and the subsequent dewatering of the sluice was completed on 31st March 2022. Hydro demolition works are progressing well on site while manufacturing of the gantry crane and the emergency gate is ongoing in South Africa and China respectively.

Hwange Life Extension The government of Zimbabwe secured line of credit from the Republic of India to the tune of USD310million to improve dependable capacities for Hwange (Stage 1 & 2) Life Extension Project. Implementation of the project is expected to commence in 2022 for the next two years. The Hwange Life Extension Project is targeting a 1000MW dependable generating capacity and will be implemented at two machines at a given time for 3 years. The appointed project management consultant is working on the Detailed Project Report which should pave way for project implementation and drawdowns on the line of credit. Bulawayo Repowering Project Bulawayo Repowering Project is set to raise dependable capacity to 90MW. Project cost is USD121 million while the Line of Credit (LoC) secured from Exim Bank of India is USD110 million. The agreement is that ZPC pays USD10.2 million as an advance payment while Afrexim covers the remaining balance. Implementation of the Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project (KDRP) Implementation of the KDRP works, which comprise the Refurbishment of the Spillway Upstream Facility and the Reshaping of the Plunge Pool, is progressing well.

Cofferdam construction was completed end of May 2022 and dewatering of the plunge pool up to elevation 376m will commence in mid-June 2022. Management is putting inplace measures to prepare for this dewatering phase. Spillway Refurbishment

With Hwange 7&8 now almost complete, does this mean no more load shedding, are we going to have enough power for local consumption and possibly start export? We have registered remarkable progress on the USD1.5billion 600MW thermal power project, which is a collaborative effort involving a significant number of technocrats of our citizenry as well as the Chinese nationals who are working together in the execution and management of this important national project despite the difficult environment. We owe it to the team spirit that continues to prevail and to be displayed by all involved. To date we have surpassed the 88.29% overall completion mark on the project as at 31 May 2022. Our aim, which is achievable is to complete unit 7 by November 2022 and unit 8 by February 2023. On completion we expect an additional 600MW over and above the current total supply of around 1500MW including imports from the region. Our forecast maximum demand is currently on at 1780MW. The demand as informed by our recent load forecast studies including received applications by the utility from mining customers and others, is expected to increase by over 2500MW in the next five years.

This means that we still have to boost our efforts in the development of additional generation capacity. Vandalism of infrastructure seems to be the norm of the day, what punitive measures are there to penalise and deter would be offenders? Theft and vandalism has indeed contributed to the demise of the power utility through losses incurred as a consequence. The utility lost over USD1.5million in the first quarter of the year from recorded vandalism cases alone. Measures taken include: ● 6000 intruder detection devices to be installed by Powertel on distribution transformers ● Drone technology now available and in use to monitor the network ● Copper harvesting and replacement with aluminium conductor on the network ● Transformer design changes to aluminium, transformer tanks welding ● Transformer caging ● No new transformer to be installed on the network without adequate protection against vandals ● Community engagement and coordinated operations Some consumers are stealing energy through illegal connections, what is the ministry doing to make sure that all energy used is paid? As alluded to earlier, the utility lost over USD1.5million in the first quarter of the year 2022 from recorded vandalism cases alone. A number of suspected cases of power theft are under investigation by the utility and action will be taken against the individuals or organisations that will be found wanting. Moreover, government through parliament in 2022 approved the amendment of the Electricity Act so that the penalty for tempering with electricity infrastructure attracts a punitive 10year jail term.

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Other initiatives involve: ● Statistical metering project - project being finalised to account for power transmitted on the national grid ● Smart metering project - funding secured through an Afrexim facility under which 6458smartmeters and deliveries expected in 2022 ● Prepayment Project - 93000 prepayment projects were funded under Afrexim facility and deliveries are expected in 2022 How does Zimbabwe serve in the SAPP and what prospects and plans are in place to increase our SADC region power capacity? Zimbabwe is a member of the SADC region in which SAPP operates. SAPP was created with the primary aim to provide reliable and economical electricity to supply to the consumers of each of the SAPP members, consistent with sustainable utilisation of natural resources and being conscious of the effects on the environment.

Co-operation in the electricity sector takes place at policy, planning and operational levels and involves governments, power utilities and financial agencies. This interaction involves several power utilities in the region under the auspices of SADC to formulate the SAPP. The members of the SAPP create a common market for electricity in the SADC region and let their customers benefit from the advantages associated with this market. All utilities participating in SAPP have equal rights and obligations, and act in solidarity without taking advantage of one another. Members share information and knowledge, develop common planning and operating criteria and procedures and accept wheeling on behalf of other members when this is technically feasible In the SADC regions there are number of coordinated initiatives to increase power capacity such as the following:

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● Southern Africa Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) ● Regional Energy Regulatory Association (RERA) ● Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) ● Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA) ● Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP) ● Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility (RTIFF) These programs and institutions were established to promote energy initiatives amongst which includes the coordinated identification and prioritization of the development and implementation of infrastructure projects and programs including relevant policies frameworks and plans. These also involve the understanding of trends in energy demand and supply, electricity markets, SAPP trading platforms, infrastructure financing mechanisms amongst others.

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Who is Who at ZERA BOARD MEMBERS

SEATED: Mrs. T Madzivire; Eng. F. Mavhiya-Bhiza; Mrs Getrude Chikwava; Ms Sheila Rufu STANDING: Mr. T. K. Ncube; E. T. Mazambani; Mr. M. Kambarami; Dr. D. D. Madzikanda; Dr. S.Ziuku

MANAGEMENT

Edington Mazambani,

B. Acc (Hon) UZ, B. Compt (Hon) UNISA, CA (Z), MBA (ESAMI) CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Misheck Siyakatshana, BSc (Eng) Hons(UZ), MBL(Unisa), MZweIE, Pr Eng

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Jacqueline Mupamhanga, LLBs (UZ)

CORPORATE SECRETARY/ LEGAL ADVISOR

Learmore Nechitoro,

BSc Economics, MSc Economics(UZ) SENIOR ECONOMIC REGULATION MANAGER

Charity Machimbidzofa SENIOR MANAGER MONITORING AND EVALUATION

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ABOUT ZERA

Mission

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is a body corporate established in terms of the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011.

ZERA regulates the Zimbabwean energy market cost effectively, through incentive regulation and in a fair and transparent manner to achieve sustainable energy

The Act mandates ZERA to regulate the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source. ZERA is also responsible for licensing of all electricity and petroleum companies as provided for in the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011 read together with the Electricity Act No. 4 of 2002 [Chapter 13:19], the Petroleum Act [Chapter 13:22] of 2006 and subsequent amendments.

Vision The Regulator that promotes universal access to sustainable energy by 2030

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Values • Accountability - Reporting and answerable for all ZERA actions and decisions • Innovation - Creativity that adds value • Integrity - Strong ethical and moral principles • Responsiveness - Turn around time to deliver • Team work - Collaboration • Transparency - Open, honest and straightforward regulation

Strategic Objectives • To ensure security of supply • To encourage energy efficiency both at utility and consumer levels • To encourage use of renewable energy and environmental protection

• To create an effective authority that realises its mandate and mission

ZERA MANDATE As outlined in the Energy Regulatory Authority Act [Chapter 13:23] of 2011 and other ancillary instruments, ZERA serves the nation through continuously striving to achieve the following Key Result Areas: Increase Access and Security of Supply • To promote the procurement , production, transportation, transmission and distribution of energy in accordance with public demand and recognized international standards; • To ensure the maximization of access to energy byconsumersthatisaffordableandenvironmentally sustainable and; • To promote coordination and integration in the importation, exportation and pooling of energy from any source in the SADC and COMESA region.

• To assess, promote studies of and advise the Minister and licensees on the environmental impact of energy projects before licensing. Market Reform and Competition • To maintain and promote effective competition within the energy industry and; • To create, promote and preserve an efficient energy industry market for the provision of sufficient energy for domestic and industrial use. Research and Development • To promote, identify and encourage the employment and development of sources of renewable energy; • To undertake such other things which it considers is necessary or convenient for the better carrying out of or giving effect to the functions of the Authority and; • To promote and encourage the expansion of the energy industry and the advancement of technology relating thereto.

Regulation and Licensing • To regulate the procurement, production, transportation, transmission, distribution, importation and exportation of energy derived from any energy source; • To exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect to the energy industry; • To ensure that prices charged by licensees are fair to consumers in the light of the need for prices to be sufficient to allow licensees to finance their activities and obtain reasonable earnings for their efficient operation and; • To establish or approve operating codes for safety, security, reliability, quality standards and any other sector related codes and standards for the energy industry or any sector thereof. Energy Efficiency and the Environmental Protection • To advise and educate consumers and licensees regarding the efficient use of energy and;

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Key Stakeholder Advisory • To advise the minister on all matters relating to the energy industry; • To establish appropriate consumer rights and obligations regarding the provision of energy services; • To arbitrate and mediate disputes among and between licensees and consumers and; • To represent Zimbabwe internationally in matters relating to the energy industry.

REGULATED SECTORS Electricity Sub-Sector The electricity supply industry (ESI) is dominated by government owned power entities, namely the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and the Zimbabwe ElectricityTransmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC). ZPC constructs, owns, operates and maintains power generation stations for the supply of electricity. It currently maintains four coal fired stations which are Hwange, Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare thermal stations, and one hydro power station, Kariba South Power Station.

KEY OUTCOMES: • Outcome 1: Improved institutional capacity • Outcome 2: Increased regulatory compliance • Outcome 3: Enhanced cost reflectivity of energy prices • Outcome 4: Improved uptake of modern energy and technological innovations • Outcome 5: Increased energy efficiency • Outcome 6: Improved stakeholder satisfaction

ZETDC carries out the system/network operator function. It is responsible for transmission of electricity from power stations, the distribution of electricity as well as its retailing to the end users. ZETDC also conducts trade at regional level through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). There are some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that play a critical role in addressing the future electricity needs of the country. IPPs were introduced in Zimbabwe’s electricity industry to overcome Government’s inability to continue financing major investments. The objectives of introducing IPPs were not limited to relieving financial constraints but also included gaining access to modern technology and skills thereby achieving ongoing efficiency benefits. IPPS introduce generation technologies that state-owned utilities may not consider part of its core function which may play a vital role in the future electricity supply options, in particular offgrid, distributed generation, co-generation and small-scale renewable projects. The introduction of IPPs has multiple benefits. It will contribute greatly to the diversification of both the supply and nature of

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energy production, assist in the introduction of new skills and capital into the industry, and enablethebenchmarkingofperformance and pricing. Who Is Regulated ZERA regulates any person or private companies that operate an electricity undertaking which generates, transmit, distributes, or retails electricity for commercial purposes in excess of 100kilowatts (kW). How Are They Regulated? ZERA issues the following licences subject to applicants satisfying the terms and conditions spelt out in the relevant Acts: I. Generation licence authorises the licensee to construct,own,operateandmaintaina generation station for purposes of the generation and supply of electricity to any transmission, distribution or supply licensee who purchases electricity for resale to consumers.

purpose of receiving a supply of electricity; the installation, maintenance and reading of meters, billing and collection. Validity of License All licences are valid for a period of up to a maximum of thirty (30) years subject to satisfying periodic audits conducted by ZERA.

A holder of a generation licence includes a generating company outside Zimbabwe that is entitled under an arrangement approved by the Authority to sell power to Zimbabwean licensees or consumers.

Regulatory Services • Technical audits • Tariff setting • Research and Development • Investment promotion • Maintenance of register of licensees • Promotion and awareness raising of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies • Light handed regulation on power projects less than 100Kw

II. Transmission and bulk supply licences authorises the licensee to carry out grid construction, operation, and maintenance of transmission facilities within Zimbabwe; and to carry out the operation of an electric power network. III. Distribution and retail supply licences authorises licensee to construct, operate and maintain a distribution system and facilities including the connection of customers for the

Petroleum Sub-Sector ZERA regulates the sector through licensing audits, monitoring of prices, setting standards

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and specifications;fuelqualityauditsandcompliance audits. The petroleum sub-sector in Zimbabwe comprises of private and state owned companies. The prices of fuels are market driven but monitored through a pricing formula that takes into account all the associated costs. Who Is Regulated ZERA regulates any persons or private companies involved in the production, procurement, distribution, transportation and retailing of the following fuel products for commercial purposes in Zimbabwe: • Petrol • Diesel • Paraffin • Denatured ethanol and ethanol blends • Liquefied Petroleum Gas • Jet A1

after which the license may be renewed subject to satisfying periodic audits conducted by ZERA except for the Ethanol Production licenses which is valid for 20 years from the initial licenses. Regulatory Services ZERA undertakes the following services in the petroleum industry: • Infrastructure audits • Fuel quality monitoring • Price surveillance • Licensing audits • Training and demonstrations on safe use of products among operators and consumers • Setting standards and continuous improvements • Investment promotion

How Are They Regulated? ZERA issues the following types of licences subject to applicants satisfying the terms and conditions: I. Production licence authorises the licensee to construct, own, operate and maintain facilities for the production of petroleum products, including blending with ethanol.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

II. Procurement licence authorises the licensee to purchase fuel for the purpose of reselling it in bulk to one or more licensees.

ZERA conducts periodic engagements on energy related issues with various stakeholders who include domestic consumers, farmers, industry, mining, commerce, policy makers, media and licensees. The engagements, which are in line with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act of 2018, present opportunities to keep the stakeholders apprised on developments in the energy sector.

III. Wholesale licence authorises the licensee to purchase bulk petroleum products from any procurement licensee and production licensee IV. Retail licence authorises the licensee to supply petroleumproducts to customers

ZERA provides a mediation and arbitration role, if necessary, in energy related complaints and disputes between licensees and consumers and between licensees.

Validity of Licenses All licenses are valid for a period of one (1) year

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Energy sector is evolving and ZERA values all strands of research and development in all the sub-sectors as part of a broad approach to address current and future trends.

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT CORPORATE SOCIAL

INVESTMENT ZERA values partnerships with research oriented As a responsible corporate citizen, ZERA invests institutions and individuals in undertaking inAs sustainable energy related programs that have a responsible corporate citizen, ZERA invests betterment of the economy. various industry related, energy supply and environmental, social related and economic impact in sustainable energy programs that have betterment ofresearches the economy. demand side and innovations for the among underprivileged communities. environmental, social and economic impact ZERA’s research and development programs among underprivileged communities. and projects areand in development synch with programs national, 7 ZERA’s research ZERA also values the development of human regional and international development goals and projects are in synch with national, capital in the engineering sector. It supports ZERA also values the development of human and trajectory. regional and international development goals students undertaking energy It supports related capital in the engineering sector. and trajectory. academic programs at different tertiary students undertaking energy related institutions. academic programs at different tertiary institutions. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Energy sector is evolving and ZERA values all strands research and development in allall Energy of sector is evolving and ZERA values the sub-sectors as part of a broad approach strands of research and development in all tothe address currentasand future sub-sectors part of a trends. broad approach to address current and future trends. ZERA values partnerships with research oriented institutions individuals in undertaking ZERA valuesand partnerships with research oriented various industry related, energy supply and institutions and individuals in undertaking demand researches andenergy innovations for the various side industry related, supply and demand side researches and innovations for the

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Save Energy- Save Money Right in your own home, you have the power to save money and electricity! Save electricity Reduce load on the national power grid Be energy efficient Use clean energy sources.

Lighting Use as much natural light as possible and reduce the need for artificial lighting! Switch off lights when no one is in a room. Use LED energy saver bulbs for indoor use and LED floodlights for outdoor use. They last more than 5 years and use 75% less energy.. Saving electricity, reduces overall demand for resources needed to make electricity and being energy efficient is like adding another clean energy source to our electric power grid Use LED tubes in place of fluorescent tubes which use more energy for the same light output.

Home Appliances

Refrigeration Do not open the refrigerator doors unnecessarily and make sure the air tight seals are intact. Let hot foods cool before putting them in the fridge, as the hot air that will be introduced in the fridge will increase the temperatures in the fridge. Regularly defrost manual-defrost freezers and and refrigerators: frost build up decreases the energy efficiency of the unit.

Switch off all home electrical appliances, that is, Television Sets, DVD players and radios and unplug them from the wall sockets every time they are not in use.

Laundry/Ironing Iron clothes in large batches to avoid wasting energy in reheating. An iron takes energy to heat up and this energy is wasted if the iron is used for frequent ironing of a few items at a time. Iron low temperature fabrics first to reduce warm up times. Do not iron wet clothes. PAGE

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“The sunlight ... that strikes Earth’s land surface in two hours is equivalent to total human energy use in a year. While much of that sunlight becomes heat, solar energy is also responsible for the energy embodied in wind, hydro, wave, and biomass, each with the potential to be harnessed for human use. Only a small portion of that enormous daily, renewable flux of energy will ever be needed by humanity.” ~ Christopher Flavin

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The POWER of Experience

522 Pomona Industrial Park, Pomona, Harare ZERA MAGAZINE Tel: +263 8677 193 262 Sales: +263 719 228 047 Workshop: +263 719 228 043 Accounts: +263 8677 19327262 info@solarenergyprojects.co.zw www.solarenergyprojects.co.zw PAGE

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RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ZIMBABWE – PROS, CONS AND QUESTIONS Michael Nott

As Zimbabwe we are moving away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy options in sync with the rest of the World, with a number of factors and issues to explore. The National Renewable Energy Project (NREP) and the Biofuels Policy (2020) has committed to a 33% reduction in green house carbon emissions by 2030 as well as a 20% ethanol blending rate by 2030. The policy’s goals are to accelerate economic development, facilitate rural development, promote SMEs, ensure environmentally friendly development and safeguard natural resources. On the other hand, Government has committed to repairs, refurbishments and expansion at Hwange’s coal powered electricity generators as well as promoting the building of new coal fired generators. In Zimbabwe attention on the renewable energy sources is focused on three main areas: - solar, hydro and wind. Geothermal power is still quite under researched and under developed and the use of firewood as a fuel is contentious. Obviously, trees are not being replanted at the same rate that they’re being cut down, although, in theory, timber harvesting can be considered renewable, with proper management programmes in place. Trees take a long time to mature and proper planning needs to extend to many years in the future. To start with let’s take a look at the different options for producing energy from renewable sources and examine the pros and cons.

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Solar Power There’s been significant investment and development in this area with some of the leaders in the field including DPA, Solar Energy Projects and the Swiss based energy provider, the meeco Group. Apart from large scale projects that are capable of feeding energy to the national grid, the solar power option has been taken up by businesses – retailers and manufacturers – as well on a much smaller scale for individual residential projects. Most homes in the cities have installed solar geysers and solar panels for lighting and for keeping their appliances running. Even in rural areas solar panels are becoming much more popular, especially for basic needs like lighting or even for radios or recharging cell phones.

PROS: 1. Zimbabwe is blessed with abundant sunlight for most of the year, and once the installation is set up energy is free. 2. Producing solar power is clean and doesn’t create greenhouse gases. 3. The energy created from solar panels can be stored in batteries for use when there’s no sunlight. 4. There’s been a lot of development in solar power in recent years and there a number of reliable suppliers and installers who can also give you the best advice on tailor-made setups. In addition, advances in technology will, hopefully, make solar more affordable. 5. Solar technology creates new jobs for the economy. CONS: 1. Setting up a solar system can be very expensive to start with. There’s the cost of the panels plus the necessary inverters and batteries which can be quite prohibitive. 2. Batteries, inverters and panels don’t last forever and will need to be replaced periodically – another, usually unwelcome, expense. 3. The production of lithium-ion batteries is controversial with some studies suggesting that mining lithium and the other minerals needed is harmful to the environment. 4. Recycling or the disposal of batteries and panels can be problematic and could cause more environmental pollution to soil and water supplies. 5. Lack of direct sunlight for several days means solar power needs to be backed up with gridsupplied power. This tends to happen when there’s the most pressure on the national grid – who wants cold water when the weather is not favourable?

QUESTIONS:

1. Will solar become more affordable in the near future? 2. Will battery technology improve?

Hydro Power Zimbabwe and Zambia have been reliant on hydro power generated at Kariba for nearly 60 years. Smaller hydro power systems have been set up across the country, particularly by Nyangani Renewable Energy, mostly operating in the Eastern Highlands. There are plans to create a second hydro power plant at the Batoka Gorge along the Zambezi below Kariba. PROS: 1. After the initial set up the production of energy is virtually free. 2. Hydro power produces no greenhouse emissions or pollution. 3. The power supply is, generally, quite reliable all year round and hydro power continues to be generated at night (unlike solar) when there’s no sunlight. 4. Hydro power dams can provide additional benefits like flood control, water for irrigation and drinking water for the surrounding communities. CONS: 1. Large scale hydro power dams and turbines are extremely expensive to build and continual maintenance is required. 2. Establishing large dams often displaces local communities. 3. Large dams disrupt the ecology of fish, plants and animals along the river. 4. Extended periods of drought can make hydro power unworkable.

QUESTIONS:

1. Will small scale projects contribute significantly to the national grid? 2. Will repairs and refurbishments at Kariba be too expensive for the national economy? 3. Will the Batoka Gorge development be economically viable? Who will provide the funding? 4. How will climate change affect the generation of hydro power?

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Wind Power The use of wind power has been established around the World for many years. Wind power stations are growing very fast, particularly with the North Sea power stations in Europe. Wind power has been largely ignored in Zimbabwe in recent years although in the past many rural areas used windmills to draw water up from underground sources for irrigation and to provide water for livestock. PROS: 1. Wind power is free. 2. Wind power is completely renewable. 3. Wind power produces no pollution or environmentally damaging by-products. 4. On a small scale wind power is relatively inexpensive to install. 5. Windmills and wind power generators don’t need much maintenance. CONS: 1. Most areas in Zimbabwe don’t receive a lot of wind. 2. Wind power is not reliable. 3. Power generated by wind needs to be stored in batteries for future use. 4. It can be noisy and also disrupt birds and wildlife. 5. Wind power farms take up a lot of space.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why have established wind powered water pumps not been maintained? Surely it’s cheaper to maintain existing structures than to build new ones? 2. Could this bring significant improvements to rural lifestyles where water supply is an ongoing problem? 3. How can Zimbabwe move forward by harnessing this free power generating option? 4. What are the costs involved in establishing wind farms? 5. Which areas of Zimbabwe are best suited for building wind farms? 6. Why has this avenue of power generation not been explored more? PAGE

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Geothermal Power This area of power production has been largely ignored in Zimbabwe with little research or development taking place. Geothermal power has the advantage of being reliable, renewable and non-polluting. In addition, it takes up much less space than solar or wind powered farms. Zimbabwe has a number of hot springs, particularly around Binga and in Manicaland. Hot water naturally bubbles up to the surface without any investment in drilling or processing. The steam generated can be used to generate electrical and mechanical energy. It is totally undamaging to the environment and non-polluting. The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that there’s huge potential for power generation in this field. Why has it not been explored and developed more? Zimbabwe is blessed with abundant natural resources for power production which will make us much less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels. If developed renewable energy production will mean power supplies will be more consistent, cheaper and less polluting. Let’s look at renewables for a brighter future.

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The Russo-Ukrainian War has sent food, energy and other commodity prices soaring, increasing the strains on African economies which are still reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The overlapping crises are affecting many parts of Africa’s energy systems, including reversing positive trends in improving access to modern energy, with 4% more people living without electricity in 2021 than in 2019. They are also deepening financial difficulties of utilities, increasing risks of blackouts and rationing. These problems are contributing to a sharp increase in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, with the number of people affected by food crises quadrupling in some areas.

TODAY’S GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS HAS UNDERSCORED THE URGENCY, AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS, OF AN ACCELERATED SCALE-UP OF CHEAPER AND CLEANER SOURCES OF ENERGY

Africans are already unduly experiencing the negative effects of climate change, including water stress, reduced food production, increased frequency of extreme weather events and lower economic growth – all of which are fueling mass migration and regional instability. More than any other part of the world, Africa is already facing more severe climate change than most other parts of the world, despite bearing the least responsibility for the problem. With nearly one-fifth of the world’s population today, Africa accounts for less than 3% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to date and has the lowest emissions per capita of any region. For all of these difficulties, the global clean energy transition holds new promise for Africa’s economic and social development. As of May 2022, countries representing more than 70% of global CO2 emissions have committed to reach net zero emissions by around mid-century. This includes 12 African countries that represent over 40% of the continent’s total CO2 emissions. These ambitions are helping set a new course for the global energy sector amid declining clean technology costs and shifting global investment. African countries – nearly all of which are party to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change – are poised to capture the technology spillovers of these changes and attract increasing flows of climate finance. This Outlook explores a Sustainable PAGE

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Africa Scenario (SAS) in which Africa rides these shifting tides to achieve all African energy-related development goals on time and in full. This includes universal access to modern energy services by 2030 and the full implementation of all African climate pledges. Realising all of these goals is a formidable undertaking. African countries need to take the lead with clear strategies and policies, while international institutions must reinforce their commitment to significantly increase their levels of support.

Energy access Universal access to affordable electricity, achieved by 2030 in the SAS, requires bringing connections to 90 million people a year, triple the rate of recent years. At present, 600 million people, or 43% of the total population, lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda are on track for full access by 2030, offering success stories other countries can follow. Our detailed analysis shows that extending national grids is the least costly and most prudent option for almost 45% of those gaining access to 2030. In rural areas, where over 80% of the electricity-deprived live, mini-grids and stand-alone systems, mostly solar based, are the most viable solutions.

Affordable energy for all Africans is the immediate and absolute priority Achieving universal access to clean cooking fuels and technologies by 2030 requires shifting 130 million people away from dirty cooking fuels each year. Today, 970 million Africans lack access to clean cooking fuels. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the leading solution in urban areas, but recent price spikes are making it unaffordable for 30 million people across Africa, pushing many to revert to traditional use of biomass. Countries are re-evaluating clean fuel subsidy schemes and exploring alternatives such as improved biomass cook stoves, electric cooking and bio digesters. The improvement rates needed for universal clean cooking access by 2030 are unprecedented, but the benefits are huge: reducing premature deaths by over 500 000 a year by 2030, drastically cutting time

Building codes and energy performance standards, which restrict the sale of the least efficient appliances and lighting, make up 60% of these savings. Energy demand for fans and air conditioning still quadruples over the decade as urbanisation and climate change rapidly increase the need for cooling in Africa, calling for a strong focus on efficient cooling solutions. As Africa’s industry, commerce and agriculture expand, so too does the need for productive uses of energy. In the SAS, energy demand in industry, freight and agriculture grows by almost

spent gathering fuel and cooking, and allowing millions of women to pursue education, employment and civic involvement. The goal of universal access to modern energy calls for investment of USD 25 billion per year. This is around 1% of global energy investment today, and similar to the cost of building just one large liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. Stimulating more investment requires international support aided by stronger national institutions on the ground laying out clear access strategies – only around 25 African countries have them today.

Energy demand and efficiency Demand for energy services in Africa is set to grow rapidly; maintaining affordability remains an urgent priority. Africa has the world’s lowest levels of per capita use of modern energy. As its population and incomes

40% by 2030. Increased production of fertiliser, steel and cement – as well as manufacturing of appliances, vehicles and clean energy technologies – helps to reduce the burden of imports in Africa, which stands at over 20% of GDP today. Some parts of industry expand their use of the latest, most efficient technologies. In agriculture, which represents one-fifth of Africa’s GDP, irrigation pumps are electrified, reducing diesel generator use, and cold-chains (temperature-controlled supply chains) are extended, boosting agricultural productivity and the scope for these products to reach urban markets.

grow, demand for modern energy expands by a third between 2020 and 2030 in the SAS. However, under existing subsidy schemes, current price spikes risk doubling energy subsidy burdens in African countries in 2022 – an untenable outcome for many facing debt distress. Some countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia and Uganda, are being driven to halt or reduce subsidies, or to reinstate fuel taxes due to growing financial burdens. International support must play a role in the near term to manage prices, but better targeting of subsidies to the households most in need is essential. Efficiency helps temper demand growth, reduces fuel imports, strain on existing infrastructure and keeps consumer bills affordable. Energy and material efficiency reduces electricity demand by 230 terawatt-hours in 2030 – 30% of electricity demand today.

As Africa’s demand for modern energy grows, efficiency keeps it affordable.

Fuel supply Electricity is the backbone of Africa’s new energy systems, powered increasingly by renewables. Africa is home to 60% of the best solar resources globally, yet only 1% of installed solar PV capacity. Solar PV – already the cheapest source of power in many parts of Africa – outcompetes all sources continent-wide by 2030. Renewables, including solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal account for over 80% of new power generation ZERA MAGAZINE issue #01

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capacity to 2030 in the SAS. Once coal-fired power plants currently under construction are completed, Africa builds no new ones, underpinned mainly by China’s announcement to end support for coal plants abroad. If the investment initially intended for these discontinued coal plants were redirected to solar PV, it could cover half of the cost of all Africa’s solar PV capacity additions to 2025 in the SAS. Electricity will underpin Africa’s economic future, with solar leading the way.

Renewables Flexibility is key to integrating more variable renewables, with grid interconnections, hydropower and natural gas plants playing notable roles. Regional power pools contribute to improving reliability of supply – a major problem in Africa. Expanding and modernising Africa’s electricity infrastructure requires a radical improvement in the financial health of public utilities, which have been battered by recent economic crises and longstanding under-pricing of electricity. Regulatory reforms are a priority, particularly cost-of-service electricity pricing reforms, which are in place or under discussion in 24 African countries to date.

Africa’s industrialisation relies in part on expanding natural gas use. Natural gas demand in Africa increases in the SAS, but it maintains the same share of modern energy use as today, with electricity generation from renewables outcompeting it in most cases. More than 5 000 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas resources have been discovered to date in Africa which have not yet been approved for development. These resources could provide an additional 90 bcm of gas a year by 2030, which may well be vital for the fertiliser, steel and cement industries and water desalination. Cumulative CO2 emissions from the use of these gas resources over the next 30 years would be around 10 gigatonnes. If these emissions were added to Africa’s cumulative total today, they would bring its share of global emissions to a mere 3.5%. Production of oil and gas remains important to African economic and social development, but the focus shifts to meeting domestic demand. Global efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition in the SAS risks dwindling export revenues for Africa’s oil and gas. Between now and 2030, Africa’s domestic demand for both oil and gas accounts for around two-thirds of the continent’s production. This puts greater emphasis on developing well-functioning infrastructure within Africa, such as storage and distribution infrastructure, to meet domestic demand for transport fuels and LPG. In parallel, African countries focus on strengthening energy efficiency policies, and expanding renewables and other clean energy technologies. Near-term market opportunities must not distract from declining oil and gas export revenues in the future. New projects benefit from speed to market, minimising project costs and delays, and reducing methane emissions. Current price surges are providing a short-term boon to African producers, with new deals signed to deliver Algerian gas to Europe, along with renewed momentum to develop and expand LNG terminals in Congo, Mauritania and Senegal. With the European Union aiming to halt Russian gas imports towards 2030, Africa in principle could supply an extra 30 bcm in 2030. Reducing flaring and venting could quickly make at least 10 bcm of African gas available for export without the development of new supply and transport infrastructure. New long lead time gas projects risk failing to recover their upfront costs if the world is successful in bringing down gas demand in line with reaching net zero emissions by mid-century.

Critical minerals Africa’s vast resources of minerals that are critical for multiple clean energy technologies are set to create new export markets, but need to be managed well. Africa accounts for over 40% of global reserves of cobalt, manganese and platinum – key minerals for batteries and hydrogen technologies. South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique have a significant share of global production today, but many other countries may hold undiscovered deposits. In the SAS, Africa’s revenues from critical mineral production more than double by 2030. However, investment

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in mineral exploration in Africa has been declining in recent years. Reversing this trend hinges on improved geological surveys, robust governance, improved transport infrastructure and a particularly strong focus on minimising the environmental and social impacts of mining operations. Critical minerals present a major economic opportunity.

Africa can become a leading player in hydrogen leveraging its rich renewable resources. A number of low-carbon hydrogen projects are underway or under discussion in Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa. These are focused primarily on using renewables-based power to produce ammonia for fertiliser, which would strengthen Africa’s food security. Global declines in the cost of hydrogen production could allow Africa to deliver renewables-produced hydrogen to Northern Europe at internationally competitive price points by 2030. With further cost declines, Africa has the potential to produce 5 000 megatonnes of hydrogen per year at less than USD 2 per kilogramme—equivalent to global total energy supply today. Hydrogen production costs and potential supply from dedicated hybrid solar PV and onshore wind in Africa within 200 km of a serviceable coast, 2030.

People-centred transition Localising energy industries can reduce imports, create jobs and build the local capital base. To reach universal energy access in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, around 4 million additional energyrelated jobs are needed across the continent. Many of the jobs offer entry into the formal economy and increase entrepreneurial opportunities for

women. African energy companies play an increasing part, with joint ventures and technology transfer helping develop local know-how. Implementing an African Continental Free Trade Area also helps broaden domestic markets for African energy firms.

Investment Despite being a minor contributor to global emissions, Africa still needs to do far more to adapt to climate risks than the rest of the world. By 2050, Africa will account for no more than 4% of cumulative global energyrelated CO2 emissions, regardless of the scenario. Today’s policies will perhaps see the global average temperature rise is likely to hit 2 °C around 2050, but this would probably result in a median temperature rise of 2.7 °C in North Africa. That would reduce African GDP by around 8% in 2050 relative to a baseline without any climate impacts. Losses in some regions such as East Africa would reach around 15%. Much more investment is required in order to reduce the severity these economic effects urgently. Funding for climate adaptation could reach USD 30-50 billion per year by 2030 – a huge increase on the USD 7.8 billion that was provided by advanced economies for adaptation projects in 2019. Some of this will be needed to make Africa’s energy systems more resilient against climate risks: three-fifths of Africa’s thermal power plants are at high or very high risk of being disrupted by water stress and one-sixth of Africa’s LNG capacity is vulnerable to coastal flooding.

Climate change calls for investment in adaptation Meeting Africa’s energy and climate

goals means more than doubling this decade’s energy investment. This would take it over USD 190 billion each year from 2026 to 2030, with two-thirds going to clean energy. The share of energy investment in Africa’s GDP rises to 6.1% in the 2026-30 period, which is slightly above the average for emerging market and developing economies. But Africa’s energy investment in that period is still only around 5% of the global total in the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario.

Unlocking more finance remains key to Africa’s energy future Multilateral development banks must make increasing financial flows to Africa an absolute priority. To mobilise the amount of investment envisioned in the SAS, they will need to increase concessional finance to Africa and use it more strategically to better leverage private capital. This includes domestic financial markets, which need to more than double in size by the second-half of this decade. New capital sources, such as climate finance and carbon credits, can bring more international financial flows to bear. However, cross-cutting investment risks such as high debt burdens remain a challenge. Africa’s energy future requires stronger efforts on the ground that are backed by global support. The COP27 Climate Change Conference in Egypt in late 2022 provides a crucial platform for African leaders to work globally to identify ways to drive these changes. This decade is critical, not only for global climate action, but also for the foundational investments that will allow Africa – home to the world’s youngest population – to flourish in the decades to come.

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AN UNREGULATED ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSION A CAUSE OF CONCERN Over the years, we have learnt that the greatest of all environmental challenges we have in Zimbabwe is not air pollution, veld fires, destruction of wetlands, water pollution, land degradation etc. The greatest of all, is an environmental practitioner who does not subscribe to a code of professional ethics but is entrusted to practise in government, private sector and industry in general by virtue of being in possession of an academic qualification or qualifications. Institutions are often times blamed for no good reason; if EMA, Forestry Commission, ZimParks, environmental consultants and other related organisations are failing to discharge their mandate just check on their staff to see if they are regulated as professionals by any professional body. The year 2014 had a number of concerns raised in the environmental sector which led to an all stakeholder meeting that brought together consultants, Government and the private sector. One of the first issues was that of the cabinet committee on the environment that indicated that the EIA process was way too expensive and it was hampering investment in the country. They instructed Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to put their house in order as they were saying both EMA and the EIA consultants were to blame for that mess. EMA underscored the need for reduction of those EIA consultancy fees and they were supposed to be in a reasonable range. They said some consultants would charge $5 000 and others $50 000 for the same project. This therefore meant there was need to regulate the charging of consultancy fees among other things. This was to be done by the consultants themselves or if they could not then EMA would have to dictate the fees. PAGE

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It is also believed that, there was and still exist; a lot of corruption by some consultants in partnership with EMA officers that has seen some projects getting EIA certificates without compilation of quality EIA reports in line with the Environmental Management Act (20:27). Some consultancy has been blamed for working with land developers and have presented inaccurate information in EIA reports that has led to issuing of EIA certificates for projects on wetlands and other ecologically sensitive places. This is a form of unethical conduct on part of the EIA consulting professionals. There has been complains of investors who were duped by briefcase environmental consultancies and unethical EMA officers in their endeavour to get EIA certificates thus rendering the nation; not open for business. The other issue that was raised was that environmental consultants were producing substandard reports and also some were not being truthful to their clients about the EIA process itself i.e. they would not be honest about how long it would take from start of the EIA process until the EIA certificate was issued, thus many clients would come to EMA complaining about EMA’s inefficiencies since the client’s consultant would have misled them. In response to the mayhem, the EIA consultants moved to start the Environmental Professionals Council of Zimbabwe (EPCOZ) that is currently registered as a trust. EPCOZ sought to close the gap directly or indirectly by lobbying government to establish a council that operationalises the objectives of fostering professionalism as well as high standards on its members through continuous training

that will update the knowledge of the members and censure of wayward professionals. This would therefore counter another problem of consultants needing continuous professional development so that they could be up to date with new methods and techniques in the field of EIAs as environmental trends are continuously evolving. This would also be promoted through creating a platform where professional members meet and share ideas and experiences to promote quality in the sector. The naming of the EPCOZ signalled a deviation for just an EIA Consultancy Association that most envisioned, because the consultants realised that, malpractice is in all sectors where environmental professionals are that include, in consulting firms, EMA, Forestry Commission, Local Authorities, training institutions and etc; where environmental officers and managers are operating without a code of conduct that fosters professionalism. Think of professionals that are parcelling out stands on wetlands, of poor environmental policy formulation and implementation, think of corruptly acquired EIA certificates, poor environmental management in the small-scale mining sectors that has costed lives in Kadoma and other mining districts, poor mercury management in small-scale mining sector in the country, what about the poor waste management in our cities? Think of environmental managers and officers superintending over local authorities and industries that are discharging raw effluent into water bodies resulting in water borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Several countries in Africa have

established environmental practitioners monitoring bodies in an effort to bring sanity to the industry. These statutory bodies range from environmental health to natural science specific practices such as ecology. The main goal of the enacted bodies was for the purpose of registration and certification of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) and to promote the sustainable management of the environment through the realisation of quality environmental assessment in their respective countries. Some of these bodies include Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association (EAPA), Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA), and South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNSP), Kenya Council of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers and Allied Health Practitioners of Zimbabwe (Environmental Health Council). All of the above were set up to deliver the following among other objectives for the relevant professions:

1. Register qualified persons as professional practitioners 2. Establish and maintain a register of individuals who are qualified to operate as professional practitioners; 3. Certify practitioners according to the certification criteria determined by a consensus; 4. Promote on-going professional development. 5. Prescribe and enforce a Code of Conduct on our members; 6. Define the type of work to be performed by a registered person 7. Liaise with the various councils, in advising the relevant Ministers practicing (environmental) issues or issues that may impact on sustainable development as necessary; The introduction of the professional body brings a series of benefits to a number of stakeholders which include the government, employers, clients as well as the profession. When you or your employee is certified and a member of the Council, he/she will be able to tap into the experience and expertise of

hundreds of environmental and natural resource professionals — environmental scientists, environmentalists, environmental engineers, ecologists, ecosystem restorers, and others. In addition, there will be opportunities for professional growth and recognition, which ultimately benefit individual professionals and organisations that they work for. It is therefore of paramount importance to understand that EPCOZ has a significant role in bringing professionalism in the work that environmental organisations will be involved in. Membership of the council will offer stepping stones on a career path — from student to Chartered status, attracting professionals of high standing with significant specialist and interdisciplinary experience. This will prove to be critical in allowing continuity in the various environmental sectors as students get mentorship as they get into the sector. In closure, it’s important to realise that the coming in of EPCOZ has a number of significant benefits to all the stakeholders in the environmental sector and the economy at large. With

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the rampant deterioration of our environment as a result of destruction of wetlands, unabated air pollution, water pollution and the growing need by the nation to achieve environmentally Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is need for EPCOZ to be given the chance to bring sanity by giving out wellcultured and professional environmental professionals.

DocZine Petroleum would like to congratulate the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) on their 10th anniversary.

Therefore, the strengthening of the professionalism that can be brought about by EPCOZ is a necessity. As aforementioned EPCOZ is legally constituted as a trust while we pursue being constituted by an Act of Parliament as a self-regulatory board like other councils in other professions we appeal to the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to incorporate the EPCOZ or its principles in the currently reviewed Environmental Management Act(20:27) bill or to promulgate a separate private Act upon which the EPCOZ should stand.

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The Potential of Geo-Thermal Energy in Zimbabwe. Is it possible? Geothermal resources consist of thermal energy from the earth’s interior stored in both rocks and trapped steam or liquid water. Zimbabwe has over thirty natural hot springs whose geothermal energy could be captured to produce electricity. Well known hot springs include Binga hot springs on the shores of Lake Kariba, Lubimbi near the Gwaii River in Matabeleland North, and Hot Springs among others. The heat produced by the springs can be used to power plants. In 1985 the geothermal potential was acknowledged as being 50 MW. Due to Zimbabwe’s proximity to the Rift Valley region, it is reasonable to assume that geothermal power generation can be applied. Another advantage of geothermal energy is that it can produce reliable electricity that does not depend on weather conditions. Although no efforts have been made in Zimbabwe to explore this type of energy, there is potential for geothermal energy. The springs can work to generate electricity while at the same time continue to act as tourist attractions

By Patuma Salimu

HOW A GEO-THERMAL POWER PLANT WORKS: The steam comes from hot water reservoirs found a few or more miles below the earth’s surface. The steam rotates a turbine that activates a generator, which produces electricity. Geothermal power plants come in three different designs; The oldest type is dry steam, which takes steam directly from fractures in the ground to drive a turbine. The second one is a flash plants which pulls high pressure hot water from underground and mixes it with cooler low-pressure water to create steam that is used to drive a turbine. Lastly, binary plants use hot water passed through a secondary fluid that has a lower boiling point than water. The secondary fluid is turned into vapour which drives a turbine. Most future geothermal power plants are expected to be binary plants.

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“Hemp is Earth’s number-one biomass resource; it is capable of producing 10 tons per acre in four months.” ~ Jack Herer

BIOMASS PAGE

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BIOGAS VERSUS BIOMASS – What’s The Difference? by Michael Nott

Anaerobic digestion process (Graphic by Sara Tanigawa, EESI).

According to BioteCH4: The main difference between biomass and biogas is that biomass is a solid material whereas biogas is a gaseous compound created through the process of Anaerobic Digestion. BioteCH4 are one of the leading AD (Anearobic Digestion) operators in the UK. Across their 6 sites they handle the collection and transportation of food waste, oils and fats recycling. Biomass energy is the use of biomass as an energy source. With biomass energy, biomass is burned or converted to make heat, electricity, or liquid fuel. Biogas is a renewable energy; it is created as a direct result of transforming food waste to energy and is an environmentally friendly way of doing it.

Biomass produces energy from the burning of plant and animal matter to create energy. Biogas uses the same fuel – plant and animal matter (and in some cases human waste too), usually considered as waste – to create gas which can be used for cooking, heating and even refrigeration, and the resulting left over liquid slurry and digestate is a nutient rich organic fertiliser ideal for growing food crops. It’s a perfect and sustainable circular system for producing energy at a very low cost and without the need for complex equipment. Basically a biogas plant consists of a sealed tank – the digester- which is filled with the organic matter and

waste water, sometimes referred to as grey water. Grey water can come from water used for bathing, washing or from the toilet. It’s important that the tank or digester is sealed as the breakdown of the organic matter must take place in an anaerobic or oxygen free environment. A fermentation process takes place in the digester producing mostly methane as well as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The gas is usually compressed, much like naturally occuring gas, and used for a number of different applications including heating, cooling, cooking and even for generating electricity or for use in internal combustion engines like motorised vehicles. For example, in

Sweden, hundreds of cars and buses run on refined biogas. The biogas in Sweden is produced primarily from sewage treatment plants and landfills. The production of biogas is a naturally occuring phenomonen which occurs in the ocean, in wetlands, swamps, rice paddies, landfill sites and even in compost heaps – anywhere were the decomposition takes place in the absence of oxygen. The production and use of biogas is particularly predominant in China and India and increasingly in the US where it’s used to cope with animal waste from large scale farms. ZERA MAGAZINE issue #01

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Anecdotal evidence traces the first uses of biogas to the Assyrians and the Persians in the 10th and 16th centuries. Landfill sites produce biogas which can be harnessed for energy production. Coping with the organic waste produced in industrialised countries is becoming increasingly urgent and demanding,thus the production of biogas can help solve the problem. It has increasingly gained popularity in Africa where it is alternatively used in place of firewood for cooking and heating. Zimbabwe’s Environment Management Agency (EMA) says that 50 million trees are disappearing from forests in the country every year and biogas can therefore help to curb this ongoing dilemma. Biogas projects can be built on a huge industrial scale or on a much smaller scale for rural communities and even for individual households with the use of a

drum. In the UK, for example, it is estimated to have the potential to replace around 17% of vehicle fuel. By converting cow manure into methane biogas via anaerobic digestion, the millions of cattle in the United States would be able to produce 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to power millions of homes across the United States. In fact, by converting cattle manure into methane biogas instead of letting it decompose, global warming gases could be reduced by 99 million metric tons. Recent projects in Zimbabwe to establish biogas production include the creation of biogas digestors for projects in Domboshawa, as well as Insiza, Chegutu, Goromonzi and Mvuma. Projects are funded by NGOs including HIVOS, SNV and Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and the Renewable Energy Fund.

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BIOMASS ENERGY: IS IT GREEN ENERGY? By Vanessa Mwedzi

While solar power, wind turbines, and nuclear energy tend to draw the headlines, other energy sources such as biomass also have great potential. However, is it an environmentally friendly energy source? Being a carbon-neutral energy source, Biomass Energy does not contribute much to climate change issues associated with fossil fuels due to its green qualities. These qualities include its organic nature, it is a renewable source of energy, and is derived from combustion of waste. The organic material used to produce biomass is neverending since our society consistently produces waste such as refuse, wood scraps, and manure litter which are renewable.

While fossil fuel production requires heavy capital for oil drills, gas pipelines, and fuel collection, biomass technology is much cheaper and reduces the amount of garbage in landfills as most of it is transformed into energy. When we burn solid waste, the amount of garbage dumped in landfills is reduced by, “60 to 90 percent and reduces the cost of landfill disposal and amount of land required for landfill,” Mc Farland says. While it is cheaper and environmentally friendly, it is not completely clean and is not as efficient in comparison to other forms of energy. Ethanol, for example has to be strengthened with fossil fuels to increase its efficiency. The question of biomass being clean is debatable as animal and human waste create methane gas which is also damaging to the environment. Additionally, the pollution created from burning wood and other natural materials can be considered just as bad. However, more research and innovations are needed to provide a cheaper, alternative and valuable substitute for traditional electricity and alternative energy sources.

Plants take in solar energy from the sun through the process of photosynthesis and transform carbon dioxide and water into nutrients (carbohydrates). Biomass energy reduces the overreliance on fossil fuels. According to K. McFarland on the SynTech Bioenergy website, “Not only is there a limited supply of fossil fuels, but they come with environmental baggage, including the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and the pollutants that result from removal, transportation, and production,” said MacFarland

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The Future of Electric Vehicles in Zimbabwe by Michael Nott

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There’s no longer any doubt about it: burning nonrenewable fossil fuels, and the resulting pollution are major contributors to climate change which is being experienced around the world. Droughts, floods and unpredictable weather patterns are being felt in almost every country across the globe. It’s clear that our reliance on fossil fuels has caused major damage to the environment and is no longer sustainable. In addition, geo-politics demands that every nation in the world needs to consider alternative energy sources. The current war in the Ukraine illustrates Europe’s dependence on gas and oil supplies and the major oil suppliers have a stranglehold on global economies. In light of the changing trends, it makes sense for Zimbabwe to establish more sustainable practices. Zimbabwe is currently dependant on imports of oil, petrol, diesel and gas and thus needs to become more self-sufficient to preserve and grow our economy. The alternative energy industry has just begun to grow and the future looks bright with growing development in solar and hydro-powered industries – creating new jobs and employment opportunities. One of the latest trends around the world is the movement towards Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. EVs are totally reliant on electrical charging for energy; Hybrids use a combination of electrical power and petrol or diesel fuel without needing electrical backup (the vehicle recharges the battery while in use) and Plug-in Hybrids use a combination of petrol or diesel and electrical power.

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2. Depending on the source of your electricity supply the power used is renewable rather than finite. Solar and hydro power electricity generation is renewable and sustainable while power generated from fossil fuels is not. Zimbabwe depends largely on electricity generated from the hydropower station at Kariba, which is considered sustainable, while the power generated from the Hwange coal powered generators contributes to environmental degradation – both in the mining and burning of coal. 3. EVs can be powered by solar or hydro generated energy, although this is still an area for major future development in Zimbabwe. This is an important source of future job creation for training and technicians. Green power production is set to become one of the main sources of employment in the world and help to make a huge contribution to employment in Zimbabwe.

Most major car manufacturers are steadily moving towards EVs with a number of manufacturers planning to move to solely electrical power in the next few years. Well-known car manufacturers include Tesla which is currently the biggest manufacturer of EVs, - BMW, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Volkswagen, General Motors and Kia among others. Luxury brands like Mercedes, Jaguar and Rolls Royce have also joined the bandwagon in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, whilst some car makers plan to phase out petrol or diesel production completely in the next few years. Protypes for electrical vehicles have been around since the early 1900s but cheap oil and gas made them redundant – until now.

So, what the pros and cons of buying an electric vehicle in Zimbabwe today? THE PROS ARE: 1. Electric vehicles dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Electric and hybrid vehicles produce far less environmentally damaging gasses and emissions and can help to reduce atmospheric pollution. Harare has recently seen a huge increase in the number of vehicles on the road with a corresponding increase in air pollution. Many people dismiss this theory but the increase in smog and related health problems supports the fact that petrol and diesel pollution is a serious problem.

4. EVs are generally cheaper to run than conventional gas powered vehicles. Currently the cost of petrol and diesel in Zimbabwe, and around the world, is prohibitively high and looks set to continue rising. Although there hasn’t been too much research locally studies carried out by Jaguar in South Africa suggest that EVs cost around a quarter of the price of petrol or diesel vehicles per kilometre. EVs are particularly efficient in stop/ start traffic as they do not constantly consume fuel to stay on. 5. Maintenance costs for EVs are much lower than for conventional vehicles. Mechanical engines have a lot of moving parts, including pumps and valves, along with fluids that need changing. Because electric vehicles don’t have as many components that need replacing less maintenance is necessary. You never need to change the oil, transmission fluid, spark plugs, fuel filters or drive belts with an EV. Brakes won’t wear as quickly either, so you won’t need to replace pads as often as you do on a normal car. Electric cars also generally last longer than their gas-powered counterparts because of less wear and tear.

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THERE ARE HOWEVER SOME CONS RELATED TO EVS: 1. There are currently very few charging stations in Zimbabwe. DPA, a subsidiary of Econet, has already opened three charging stations in Harare with plans to open another 17 across the country. ZUVA, on the 5th of May 2022, issued the following official communique: “In line with their Sustainability Strategy, ZUVA has partnered with the Local Electric Car Manufacturer EVCA – Electric Vehicle Centre Africa, also known as BYD Zimbabwe, for the development and implementation of the first-ever Electric Vehicle charging network available for public use in Zimbabwe. The project will start with a prototype charger that is to be installed in Harare at ZUVA Borrowdale and subsequently, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed at ZUVA service stations within cities around the country and along major highways.” 2. The scarcity of charging stations makes hybrid

vehicles much more attractive at the moment. EVs can be charged at home using either the local grid network or solar power but this option needs to be developed further in Zimbabwe. Installing a home charging system, whether reliant on the grid power supply or solar can be extremely costly. In addition, the cost of new electric vehicles in Zimbabwe is still comparatively high, although that might change in the future as more options become available. 3. EVs have a limited range of kilometres per charge – current models have a range of around 300 kilometres for a full charge although some luxury vehicles have a much higher range. This makes EVs much less attractive for longer road trips although Hybrid vehicles are more attractive as their fuel consumption is much lower and there’s less chance of running out of power in a remote area with no handy charging station close by. 4. EVs can take a while to recharge. If you drive

a petrol or diesel vehicle you can usually drive into the service station, fill up, and be on your way in 5 minutes. EVs can take anything from 30 minutes to 12 hours to recharge depending on a number of factors. The battery size determines the time it takes to recharge – the bigger the battery the longer it takes. If you let your battery run down significantly it’ll take longer to top up. An empty battery will take longer to top up than a battery with a partial charge. Some drivers top up frequently when their battery reaches 80% so it doesn’t take as long to reach a full charge. The vehicle’s charging rate is static, hence some vehicles can accept a faster charge than others. The source of the vehicle’s power input will affect charging time – charging up at home can be quite slow while rapid charging stations will be much faster. Hybrids never need to be charged as the batteries are automatically charged up as you drive. 5. The current lithiumion batteries have a finite lifespan and will probably need to be replaced at

least once during your car’s lifespan. At present a new battery pack can be expensive costing up to several thousand dollars. In addition, there is some controversy surrounding the environmental impact of mining and processing of lithium. The batteries also contain other minerals like nickel, cobalt and manganese which have an environmental impact both in their extraction and in their disposal. Without doubt fully electric vehicles, hybrids and plug in hybrids are the future of transportation in Zimbabwe and around the world. Future technological developments will make owning and running EVs much more economical and attractive. ZERA is fully on board supporting the sales of EVs and establishing the infrastructure needed to support the move to a more sustainable future. The leading supplier of EVs in Zimbabwe is BYD situated at: 31 AirPort Road Hatfield, Harare sales@bydzimbabwe.co.zw Phone: 0242 572 887 / 573372

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WIND POWER ENERGY IN ZIMBABWE by Farai Chaka

Wind power generation in Zimbabwe dates back to the 1970s when farmers were setting up wind farms to power their irrigation schemes and other operations at their sprawling ranches.

After independence, wind power generation died down as the government sought to broaden the accessibility of basic needs like electricity in and around the whole country and wind power could not compete with thermal and hydropower produced in Hwange and Kariba respectively. However, after years of being perceived as a firstworld country preoccupation and ignored by thirdworld countries, the green initiative is now being embraced by a lot of people bringing back wind power generation into the limelight. The conversation has rightfully shifted to comparatively non-conventional energy sources which are at once emissions-free and clean. Researchers looking into the potential of wind

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energy in Zimbabwe have concluded that the wind speeds experienced in Zimbabwe are more or less ideal for generating electricity. Studies and observations conducted over long periods have also shown that more electricity could be generated in the Eastern and Southern areas of Zimbabwe where winds blow at 4-6m/s on average. With people enduring long hours of load shedding due to a myriad of factors ranging from increased demand for electricity to lower water levels at Kariba, setting up small residential wind electric power stations could come in handy. A combination of that and the exponential depletion of fossil fuel reserves has prompted the switch to renewables which brings wind power generation into play.

aerodynamic force from the rotor blades. When wind flows across the blade the air pressure on one side of the blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two sides of the blade creates both lift and drag. The force of the lift is stronger than the drag and this causes the rotor to spin. The rotor connects to the generator directly or through a shaft and a series of gears that speed up the rotation and allow for a physically smaller generator. It is finally this translation of aerodynamic force to the rotation of a generator that creates electricity.

How does a wind turbine generate electricity? Simply put, a wind turbine is just the opposite of a fan. Whereas a fan uses electric energy to produce wind, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy in wind into electricity. Since the amount of energy a turbine will produce is determined primarily by the diameter of its rotor, modern wind turbine blades are now aerodynamically designed to capture the maximum energy from the wind. Even a light breeze is enough to turn the turbines. A wind turbine turns wind energy into electricity using the

AURORA energy SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Wind electric systems also require additional equipment to condition the electricity produced by the turbine, transmit the electricity to the load that will use it and store the electricity for future use when the system is not efficiently functioning. Typical extra equipment for a small wind electric system includes wiring, switches, batteries, inverters, meters, power conditioners, safety equipment and instrumentation. A small wind electric system set up is a sensible and considerate investment in the wake of climate change. Again, since natural resources like wind and sun are not as predictable, a hybrid system of both a solar power station and a wind power station would be perfect when envisioning an uninterrupted clean power supply.

Inspired by the (southern lights) Auroras which are a result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. These disturbances are sometimes strong enough to alter the trajectories of charged particles in both solar wind and magnetospheric plasma. Aurora Energy was established in 2019 and seeks to change the trajectory of renewable energy sources.

Our vision lies in reducing the carbon footprint through providing cleaner, affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable sources of power. We stock a wide range of solar equipment with the aim to be your one stop solar shop. Our stock selection is made of reputable brands and we strive as much as possible to source from OEMs passing on these massive benefits to our clients. Products on offer 1. PV Mounting Equipment (Galvanized, Aluminum & Railess) 2.Isolation & Protection (AC & DC) 3.Cabling 4.Grid-tie & Off-grid Inverters 5.Solar PV Panels 6.Energy Storage (Lithium-Ion) 7. Accessories Contact Details 1 Cnr College Road & Churchill, Alex Park, Harare Email Address: info@auroraenergy.co.zw Website: www.auroraenergy.co.zw ZERA MAGAZINE PAGE Landline: +263 24 2783999 www.zera.co.zw 55 issue #01 Wh Whatsapp: +263 779 576 966

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Is nuclear power good for the environment?

By Patuma Salimu

Have you heard of nuclear energy before? Do you know what it is and how we get it? Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity and these are obtained from nuclear fission and nuclear decay to produce electricity. Nuclear power has various advantages when it comes to producing energy, unlike other energy sources. You cannot create or destroy energy but you can convert it from one form to another. Nuclear power has always been a subject of debate for decades because of safety reasons but it has also proven to be very useful for all kinds of everyday services.

When compared to other forms of energy nuclear power generates few greenhouse emissions meaning it causes less pollution to the environment. This means that with this form of energy both the environment and the human populace are safe from dangerous gases (methane and carbon dioxide) that are usually emitted by other energy producing fuels like coal. Harmful emitted gases often lead to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart attacks. Nuclear, on the other hand, does not produce such gases, which means less concern about climate change and diseases. The raw materials used include uranium which can be found in many places around the world, including oceans. Other raw materials such as plutonium and thorium can be used.

Nuclear energy is very powerful and efficient compared to other forms of energy in the sense that, nuclear energy requires few raw materials which means that transporting them is easier. The cost of uranium – the fuel for nuclear energy – is low, which allows nuclear power to produce very inexpensive electricity. Also, the moderately high expense of setting up nuclear power plants is offset by the low expense of running them for years and years on end. Despite all the advantages of nuclear energy, its production only provides a third of the world’s electricity meaning that it is still relatively unpopular. As the world is advancing and facing a lot of power challenges nuclear energy should be considered as it can cover the gap left by other energy sources like solar, hydropower, and many more.

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OIL

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“Nearly all of our existing power sources are generators which use a heat cycle. This includes our coal, oil, and gas fired utilities, our automobiles, trucks, and trains, and even our nuclear fission utility power plants.” ~ Wilson Greatbatch

WHAT IS NONRENEWABLE ENERGY? PROS AND CONS OF NONRENEWABLE ENERGY. By Patuma Salimu

Have you ever wondered where the energy you use on a daily basis comes from? Whether you are cooking, lighting up your home, or heating the water for a bath? Most probably not. Has it ever occurred to you that every time you do your daily chores you might be either saving or harming the environment? Non-renewable energy refers to the energy that will eventually run out after being used for a long period of time. Major nonrenewable resources are coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear materials like uranium. Just like everything else, non-renewable energy has its advantages and disadvantages which befall as a result of how they are used.

Advantages of non–renewable energy Non-renewables produce more power after the refinement process. When non-renewables are processed to release the energy potential offered, more power can be generated from crude oil, natural gas, and other fuels than what they provide in their raw format. Moreover, thousands of unique products that come from nonrenewable sources are products that we use every day. Plastics, soaps, and many more items are more affordable because of this resource. The global economy depends on the presence of nonrenewables. The governments of the world subsidize over $5 trillion in expenses directly related to the non-renewables sector. That figure represents almost 7% of the global GDP each year.

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The governments of the world subsidize over $5 trillion in expenses directly related to the non-renewables sector. That figure represents almost 7% of the global GDP each year.

Companies that produce fossil fuels create a substantial number of direct and indirect employment opportunities that contribute high wages to local economies. Although industries like solar or wind energy can produce similar employment opportunities they aren’t always available in the same numbers. It is also important to note that in countries like Zimbabwe it is cheaper to access non-renewable energy compared to renewable energy. However, despite these advantages, it is also advisable to look at the cons of non-renewable energy to get a general idea of what one is dealing with.

Disadvantages of non-renewable energy As the old adage goes, nothing lasts forever, the same can be said about non-renewable energy. Fossil fuels will not always be available and therefore can cause problems for those who rely on those energy sources. Although the estimates for fossil fuel availability have been changing constantly over the past 30 years, there is always a possibility that non-renewable resources could become unavailable in the near future. Developing alternative energies allows us to create a safety net for tomorrow’s generation. Many renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and other renewables rely on manufacturing processes that include natural gas and oil. Another thing to note about non-renewable energy is that it causes high levels of pollution. This affects the environment as well as human beings because of the high levels of carbon emissions. People living near places where non-renewable energy is produced may suffer from various diseases. The environment also suffers, which leads to climate change. Hence, it is of paramount importance to know the pros and cons of non-renewable energy because as much as it is affordable, it also has its fair share of disadvantages that need to be taken into account. .

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Are Zimbabwe Energy Policies pro Non-Renewables or Renewables, Favour or necessity? By Patuma Salimu

Zimbabwe, being a developing country is facing a lot of challenges that include providing adequate electricity for the whole nation. Just like any other country, aiming to adopt renewable energy as a main source of energy, Zimbabwe is yet to reach the mark. This is due to the current reliance on thermal power, which is the main source of energy generated by the country’s Hwange Power Station. Hence the question, are non-renewable energy sources predominant in Zimbabwe’s energy matrix? The shortage of hydro-electric-power is also one of the many reasons why Zimbabwe is still using coal whilst the world turns to other energy sources. The Kariba Dam is where most of the country’s hydro electricity is generated where it also supplies neighbouring Zambia. The Dam supplies 1,626 megawatts (2,181,000 hp) of electricity in both parts of Zambia (the Copperbelt) and Zimbabwe generating 6,400 gigawatt-hours (23,000 TJ) per annum. Each country has its own power station on the north and south bank of the dam respectively. In 2019, Zimbabwe introduced 14-hour load-shedding which frustrated the majority of its citizens and businesses. This was as a result of major refurbishments to the dam to increase efficiency. . In instances like these, coal plays a major role in the country’s supply of electricity as it helps ease the load on the Kariba Hydro Power project. Despite the country’s commitment at the COP 26, viable alternatives have not yet been put in place , given the costs associated with goinggreen initiatives. Hence, because the Zimbabwe government also owns 38% of the Hwange Colliery Company, the country will depend on coal despite it being non-renewable. Therefore, in Zimbabwe’s situation and for a while to come, coal usage is a necessary move, as the country slowly but surely moves to green energy.

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Tips to keep warm! Save money! Save energy! By Vanessa Mwedzi

The money you spend on electricity rises dramatically when temperatures are low. Why is that?

When it is cold you tend to use more electricity than needed and expenses can be very high because as much as you want to save money you also want to keep warm. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to reduce your heating costs and save money on your electricity bill while still staying comfortable in winter and preserving energy for everyone.

Instead of switching on heaters and air conditioners, try to keep warm with just clothes and blankets. No energy is being used. You can also get smarter by investing in a smart thermostat for your air conditioner, or a programmable one that can make you much more efficient in deciding when and how long you’re heating your home or workplace.

To save energy take your clothes out of the dryer before they’re completely dry. This means they will iron much quicker and you’ll use less energy that could be used to keep warm.

Did you know that space in your fridge or freezer wastes not only space but energy too? Save energy in the kitchen by keeping your fridge or freezer full and use less energy. Some people leave the oven door open after cooking to keep them warm. Why not switch to electric space heaters as they are a very energy-efficient way to stay warm in closed spaces. However, when it comes to heating your entire house, a natural gas furnace or a heat pump is more efficient.

Lowering the temperature in your home by just a couple of degrees can result in significant long-term savings. Avoid leaving your plugs on standby, learn to switch off when your appliances and devices aren’t in use. It may be easier but it’s also a guaranteed way to waste energy compared to turning things off at the socket.

By changing your light bulbs to LEDs, you save so much energy that can in turn be used to keep warm in winter and save you lots of money. To conclude, what’s the whole point of saving when we do not involve your children. You can involve them by playing energy-saving games with them to teach them the importance of switching off appliances to save energy. So, with the above, you keep warm, and you save money and energy.

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POWER CUTS: WHY THEY ARE AT THEIR MOST FREQUENT IN WINTER by Farai Chaka

The shift of seasons from summer to winter being signaled by erratic power cuts, is something we have all grown accustomed to. However, even as they are a common winter season feature, winter blackouts can be a trying experience at the time we need electricity the most. Power utility companies record a significant spike in energy consumption each winter because people tend to stay indoors more to keep warm and the use of electric devices and appliances such as heaters, electric blankets, and geysers is high during this time. However, often this increased demand for electricity can’t be met as power supply utilities can’t cope with the demand. In Zimbabwe, for starters, maximum electricity demand reaches more or less 1800 MW in winter and this figure is against a total generating capacity of between 1350MW and 1400MW. This is bound to culminate in load shedding. People finding themselves enduring back-to-back power cuts during winter brings us to the conclusion that there is something about extreme weather conditions that leads to load shedding. There is a range in which the components of an electrical system operate best. If temperatures get too high or too low, or humidity levels get too high, the electrical grid system will not be able to function in an optimum fashion which subsequently leads to power outages. Winter weather often comes with violent winds as well which can bring down power lines causing sudden power outages. The winds could be harnessed to power wind turbines. While it costs an arm to install a small wind electric system or solar system at your home, there will be benefits when winter approaches. The likelihood of an outage during winter is very high. It is a given. To avoid frustration with power outages during this season, wind or solar power, and other sources of energy could be used to generate more electricity to power home appliances and other things. Using gas for cooking and gas or solar geysers not only relieves pressure on the grid. It’s reliable and ensures you can always have a hot meal and a hot shower in the colder months – even if you’re experiencing a power cut.

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AVOID TIME WASTERS WHEN CHOOSING A SOLAR INSTALLER BY VANESSA MWEDZI

The solar installation business is growing everyday but are all the installers registered and qualified to do the job? Find time to read what to consider before you choose a solar installer to avoid time wasters.

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Do not consider these points as deal-breakers but take them into account when making your decision. Are the solar installers willing to visit your home and listen to your requirements and needs? An expert installer will send someone qualified to do an overall area assessment to find out where the solar panels are going to be installed and you should expect some professional guidance or suggestions. If they do not visit check their current and past solar projects and request to see them in action because a good company will always be excited to share project details and progress. Do a lot of research on the team background and their expertise. It’s essential to know their history, quality of work and reliability. Make sure they are certified or accredited by a leading solar/energy-industry organisation such as the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). Also, consider customer testimonials and reviews in making your decision and this is where the power of the internet comes in. You can learn a lot about a company from online reviews and social media comments. There is also no harm in merely asking for clients’ contact details to have a word with them to better understand. There is nothing to shy away from. You need to know who you are investing in. Referrals is another way of getting a good installer. Asking someone or a number of people the of solar companies that they know or have worked with before could save you a Lot of money. Maintenance and warranties offered by the installer help in making the final decision. A warranty is a written guarantee, issued to the purchaser of a product or service by its service provider, promising to repair or replace the product, if necessary, within a specified period. Therefore, if a company has a warranty for their equipment and offers maintenance service you know where to turn to if their equipment does not work. A lot of companies cleverly exert pressure on you to purchase from them by creating attractive promotions or smooth talking you into working with them. It is however in your best interest to be careful and smart while choosing a solar installer for your home or company.

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NYANGANI RENEWABLE ENERGY

text by Farai Chaka and Patuma Salimu projects table courtesy of NRE

Nyangani Renewable Energy’s achievements in the clean energy revolution has seen them clinching several accolades from the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA). Their operations in the Eastern Highlands region of Manicaland in particular have earned them regional and international recognition. The company, which is a subsidiary of PGI Group (UK), has transformed underprivileged and neglected rural communities in Manicaland into one of the few areas in the district that seldom experience load shedding in a country hampered by frequent power outages. The reliable supply of electricity has provided many benefits for the region which is well known for its avocado, banana and tea production.

Since commissioning their first hydroelectric power station in 2010, Nyangani Renewable Energy (NRE) has been building and operating PAGE

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run-of-river hydroelectric power stations in both Zimbabwe and Malawi, commissioning almost one station per year. These NRE-owned power stations supply all their electricity into both Zimbabwe and Malawi’s national grids. At present their hydropower stations in Zimbabwe are situated in Nyanga and Honde Valley and in Malawi are in the Mulanje area. In Zimbabwe, before any hydro development can take place, a Power Purchase Agreement is signed between NRE and The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) which is approved by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulation Authority (ZERA). In choosing a suitable site, a desk top study is initially carried out, followed by detailed surveys on the ground. Should these investigations indicate possible hydro potential, a detailed feasibility study is conducted, an environmental impact assessment carried out and approved by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), water abstraction permits obtained from the Zimbabwe National Water Association (ZINWA) and approvals sought from the local Traditional Leadership and Rural District Councils. Chief Mutasa, Headman Muzvare Muparutsa and

George Bandure of the Mutasa Rural District Council (MRDC) have been instrumental in the development of the Honde Valley projects. During construction NRE has sourced all their labour from local surrounding villages. On each project they strive to uplift the local labour force through training and using necessary modern construction and engineering skills. On completion a number of employees are taken on, on a more permanent basis and trained for the operation and running of the plant. These numbers vary between 13 and 25 staff, depending on their size and location. In addition, NRE also runs two maintenance teams, overseeing civil and power line repair works within their region of generation. This involves the upkeep of roads and drainage systems as well as working with ZETDC in grid maintenance works which include wayleave clearance, pole and cross arm replacements, conductor stringing and early identification and repair of problem areas.

Run-of-river hydropower generation, in principle, harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity in the absence of a large dam or storage structure. These schemes are subject to seasonal river flows and as a result operate as intermittent energy sources (differing outputs throughout the year). Typically, a small weir or diversion structure is used to divert the water from a higher point in a river, through a channel and pressurised pipeline, known as a penstock, to a turbine, housed within a power house at a lower point in the river. Once the water has been through

the turbine, it is simply returned to the river with minimal environmental disturbance. This turbine is coupled to a generator which in turn produces electricity that is supplied to a transformer, through a control panel and then into the national grid. NRE imports most of their equipment from Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Limited (a world famous and reliable hydropower equipment supplier in the UK), except for the penstocks which they procure locally.

NRE currently has seven hydroelectric power projects in operation, with an additional scheme under construction in Zimbabwe. Work on their pilot project, the Nyamingura Power Station started in 2007 and was commissioned in 2010. Following the success of this scheme, further schemes were developed on the Nyamombe, Pungwe, Chiteme, Ngarura and Tsanga Rivers, details of which are tabulated below:

Power Station Date Commissioned

River

Size of Plant(MW)

Nyamingura Pungwe A Duru Pungwe B Pungwe C Hauna Tsanga B Tsanga A

Nyamingura Nyamombe Duru Pungwe Chiteme Ngarura Tsanga Tsanga

1.1 2.75 2.2 15 3.75 2.3 2.69 3.84

2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2019 Under Construction

NRE has also designed and built the country’s first utility scale photovoltaic solar power station at Mutoko. Nyangani Renewable Energy has not only focused on producing clean energy for sale to their off takers (ESCOM and ZETDC) but also on making sure the local community have benefited as well. Thanks to the development of these schemes as well as support from the Honde Valley

Hydro Electric Trust those living in the Honde Valley and Tsanga areas now have either new or improved roads, new road and footbridges, new schools with electricity and internet access as well as new clinics and upgraded hospital. To date the Trust has electrified over 50 schools in Honde Valley. Since 2017 NRE has also collaborated with Veterinarians for Animal Welfare in Zimbabwe (VAWZ) to carry out

yearly vaccination, sterilisation and animal welfare campaigns for domestic animals in communities surrounding their projects. Nyangani Renewable Energy has solidified their place as the leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Zimbabwe. In 2021 they produced 118,400 MWh in Zimbabwe and 31,650 MWh in Malawi. They are ready to recommence construction of their Tsanga A Power Station that has been interrupted by the delayed approval of the Power Purchase Agreement. NRE are hopeful that agreement can be reached with the authorities on a satisfactory PPA, following which the power station will be completed within three months and able to deliver additional new green energy to the nation. Nyangani Renewable Energy design, build, own and operate hydroelectric and solar power stations. For more about their operations visit their website https://www.nrezim.com/ which they update regularly. Follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook as well where they post inspiring and uplifting content about the work they do.

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The Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme Set to Boost Economies Farai Chaka

The Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme is one of several hydropower projects to be built along the Zambezi River by the Zambezi River Authority. On completion, the hydropower plant will become the third largest station in Africa and among the sixty largest in the whole world by generating capacity. It is set to alleviate Zambia and Zimbabwe’s electricity shortages significantly. The project is now in its fifth decade in the making, having been conceived in 1972, to identify possible power sources that could be developed to meet the demands of the growing nations of Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 2019, General Electric Co. and Power Construction Corporation of China were awarded the tender to build the $4billion dollar project. The project is implemented on a Build-OperateTransfer funding model which means that no fiscal strains will be felt by either Zambia or Zimbabwe. Close to 10000 jobs are set to be created and as ZRA spokesperson Munyaradzi Munodawafa said, “host communities will be given preference.” The Batoka Gorge Project is sited across the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe upstream of Kariba Dam Hydro Electric Scheme and about 54 kilometers downstream of the Victoria Falls and will provide a massive total capacity of 2400MW to be shared equally between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

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Two 1200MW power plants are foreseen on the two banks, one for Zambia and one for Zimbabwe, each one comprising two underground waterways and an outdoor powerhouse parallel to the steep rock front and slightly rotated with the river alignment. Each of the four waterways is provided with relevant intake structure, concrete lined power tunnel, surge shaft and steel lined penstock ending into three manifolds that feed the relevant powerhouse.

The estimated annual energy production is 10215 Gigawatt hours per year and once both countries’ power demands are met, excess power will be exported to neighboring countries through the South African Power Pool (SAPP). The Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme is expected to bring in over $750million United States Dollars in revenue annually, which will boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

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ZERA consumer rights and responsibilities by ZERA To foster good relations between energy consumers and its suppliers, there is an exhaustive list of consumer rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities will help to ensure that the regulatory authority, energy suppliers, or energy consumers are held accountable in the event of challenges that may rise within the energy sector. It is important to know and practice these: CONSUMER RIGHTS

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• • • • • • •

• Always pay energy bills on time • Cooperate with and support programmes on the effective and efficient use of energy • Allow energy suppliers access to consumers’ premises for purposes of inspection, meter reading, installation, testing, replacement, or disposal of utility apparatus • Report any faults or damages to the utility property that can potentially cause accidents • Abide by the contractual obligations, terms, and conditions of energy service provision • Follow appropriate channels of lodging complaints • Ensure that installations at premises are safe and pose no hazard • Use of energy efficiently in an environmentally friendly manner • Adhere to all safety procedures such as no smoking, no use of all cell phones, no open flames, switching off the engine, and not using plastic containers at service stations • Report all cases of poor quality fuel, illegal vending, and any unsafe acts

• • • • • • •

• •

Be treated fairly with kindness and due respect Privacy and to have confidential information protected Access to reliable and safe energy Be informed about the energy price structure Advice on renewable energy technologies Advice on energy efficiency Guidance on solar energy products and services that meet set standards Responsive energy suppliers Timeous response to technical faults Resolution of complaints within reasonable time frames Receive accurate and timely bills for post-paid meters Be informed about planned power outages well in time Be informed about the energy supplier’s intention to terminate service and the reasons thereof Access to and information about safe handling, storage, dispensing, and usage of energy products. Receive energy products that meet the stipulated quality standards Access to and information about complaint handling procedures Consumer education and awareness

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FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT US: Harare 45 Samora Machel Ave, 14th Floor Century Towers, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 242 7800 10 | Fax: +263 242 250 696

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