Minister of Energy Peter Kapala has launched the Zambia Decentralization
Renewable Energy initiative.
Speaking during the launch in a speech read for him by Minister of Fisheries
and Livestock, Makozo Chikote, Mr Kapala emphasized the crucial role that energy
plays in driving the country’s socio-economic development.
Mr Kapala said the initiative aims to significantly expand distributed
renewable energy capacity in the country and reduce reliance on hydro-power,
with the ultimate goal of achieving universal energy access and becoming a
middle-income economy by 2030.
He further says that Government through the Integrated Resource Plan and
other initiatives has pronounced an ambitious trajectory to transform Zambia
into an energy surplus country.
Mr. Kapala says the presidential 1,000 Mini-grid Initiative marks a
significant milestone in Zambia’s pursuit of sustainable development and energy
accessibility for the whole country.
He says the initiative is set to address energy accessibility challenges and
stimulate growth in crucial sectors, such as agriculture, to enhance rural
development.
Mr. Kapala says through collaboration with the Rural Electrification
Authority, the private sector mini-grid developers have demonstrated a pipeline
of over 100 mini-grids to be built over the next 18 months.
“It is critical however, that these electrification efforts go beyond
bringing light to households. To truly transform rural economies and ensure the
sustainability of mini-grids, there is need to enhance productive uses of
electricity mechanisms in rural areas of Zambia, he said.
He said sustainability of mini-grids could also be achieved through the
electrification of public institutions.
“This is why we are encouraged by the partnership with the Rockefeller
Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All and the Global Energy Alliance for
People and Planet who have put productive uses and public institution
electrification at the centre of their efforts, said Mr. Kapala.
He said to guarantee an enabling environment to diversify Zambia’s energy
mix, the government has developed strong policy and regulatory framework for
the energy sector, which include the National Energy Policy, the Electricity
Act and the Energy Regulation Act.
“My Ministry has created an enabling environment for the private sector-led
projects, which has provided an adequate degree of openness to private
investments, providing a clear licensing framework and multiple options for
private entities to enter the market, Kapala said.
And speaking at the same event, Acumen’s Group Chief of Strategic
Initiatives Jiwoo Choi says the company aims to bring hundreds of millions of
un-electrified and low-income households into the clean and inclusive energy
economy of the future.
“It is critical however, that these electrification efforts go beyond
bringing light to households. To truly transform rural economies and ensure the
sustainability of mini-grids, there is need to enhance productive uses of
electricity mechanisms in rural areas of Zambia, said Choi.
She said sustainability of mini-grids can also be achieved through the
electrification of public institutions.
“This is why we are encouraged by the partnership with the Rockefeller
Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All and the Global Energy Alliance for
People and Planet who have put productive uses and public institution
electrification at the center of their efforts, Choi said.