REF has embarked on a number of initiatives which include bio-digesters, solar mini-grids and grid electricity. Through this initiative, it has powered schools, business centres, clinics, households and Government sub-offices.The projects are being run under the climate adaptation, water and energy programme in conjunction with development partners

Unesco has donated solar training equipment worth US$65 000 to Zesa Holdings, a move which will spearhead renewable energy capacity building as Zimbabwe seeks to attain universal electricity access by 2030.

Zimbabwe is in the process of developing a National Electric Mobility Policy, the country’s transport ministry announced recently. The framework would encompass the adoption, use and disposal of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its efforts to mitigate climate change.

A solar-powered irrigation scheme is proving to be a stitch in time for some Masvingo province villages in the face of the El Niño-induced drought. The programme is being implemented in Zimbabwe among another eleven countries in Eastern-Southern Africa. The initiative has so far helped over 20 000 farmers, who received a solar irrigation kit.

Solar solutions provider Solarpro Zimbabwe recently launched its innovative rent-to-buy programme, making clean and sustainable energy more accessible than ever for households and businesses. The conversation with the CEO also touched on challenges and opportunities found in the renewable energy industry. Find below excerpts of the interview.

With access to irrigated land, training in climate-resilient farming, and a platform to sell their produce, women farmers in Zimbabwe are forging new paths for economic independence and sustainable agriculture.

Of the 1 500MW generated in Zimbabwe, almost two thirds now comes from coal with the balance generated from hydroelectric and solar power plants. Zimbabwe’s transition is anchored on a number of policies launched in the last five years, principally the renewable energy policy that aims to add at least 2100 MW in power generation by 2030.

The programme offers flexible financing options with monthly payments, allowing customers to own a solar system within a specified time frame. At the moment Solarpro, through its financing partners, is offering up to 12 months to pay for the solar systems.

Bundling solar as part of new housing developments from the get-go is an awesome idea to help increase the penetration of solar. Depending on the size of homes and the level backup required to back up key loads, a lot of housing developments are now incorporating solar coupled with battery storage in packages.

The 99kW Mashaba Solar Mini-Grid project, funded under the Sustainable Energy for Rural Communities programme, provides solar energy to power three irrigation schemes, five business centres, a clinic, a school and a study centre. The initiative is an example of a joint public, private and donor business and financial model.