By CHRISTINE MWAABA –
ENERGY generation in Zambia is presently dominated by hydro-electricity, which is not adequate to meet demand in the country.
In 2015, Zambia’s demand for electricity was 1,949 megawatts (MW) while only 1,281 MW could be produced.
This left a deficit of 668 MW.
The situation arose from limited investment in energy production over the years, which was also compounded by tariffs that were not cost reflective.
Further, the deficit was exacerbated by climate change effects such as partial drought conditions which affected electricity generation sites.
The poor availability of water put Zambia, which is highly dependent on hydro-power, at a major disadvantage.
Now, projections indicate that growth in demand for electricity will increase.
The peak demand is projected at 3,000 MW by 2020.
According to the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), Zambia’s installed capacity for electricity is 2,493 MW of which 97 per cent is generated from hydro plants three per cent from other sources.
‘To increase supply, there is need for additional investment in hydro, geothermal, wind and solar energy generation,’ indicates the 7NDP.
It is for this reason that the country is now looking beyond hydro power and diversifying its sources of electricity.
A 25 MW solar plant in Mumbwa Central Province will be constructed to cushion electricity challenges in the area.
Mumbwa District Commissioner Felix Ndopu said the solar plant will be funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Mr Ndopu said the solar plant will be one of the major projects in the district.
It will increase the supply of electricity in Mumbwa.
“This project is important to us because once completed, it will have significant benefits for local community and beyond,” he said.
The development will boost various economic activities in the country.
The project is also key to utilizing other sources of energy and would help in reducing Zambia’s dependence of hydro power generation.
So far, the country has witnessed the usage of other renewable forms of energy which are also being maximized.
Some people in the country are now adjusting themselves to using other sources of energy and are no longer dependant on hydro electricity for domestic use.
For instance, it has now become fairly common for private property developers to install solar panels and other solar technologies, such as solar geysers, on their properties.
The use of solar energy is not just for providing lighting for people but it is also helping communities to exploit business opportunities as well.
Enock Kabanda, a farmer in Kalyati village in Mbala who is also a supplier of solar panels, said people seem to have understood the benefits of solar energy and most of his customers buying the solar panels from him were from nearby villages.
He said even when there is no hydro electricity, people buy tiny solar flashlights to which are mounted on rooftops to provide domestic lighting.
“Before the solar equipment was available, we never used to watch television or use refrigerators, but now, the story is different. We can even sell perishable foods which give me an extra income,” Mr Kabanda said.
Energy experts say solar energy is a clean, affordable and sustainable form or energy which can be used by a homeowner or commercial business owner.
It also has substantial financial benefits such as lower utility bills and increased home value, not forgetting environmental benefits which are equally important.
Thunderbolt Solar Company representative Icidson Mulutula said of late, the company has seen more people acquiring solar equipment.
Zambians are now taking advantage of other forms of renewable energy to generate electricity and continue their economic activities.
“Solar energy is a precious gift and we are now taking advantage of it in order for us to get maximum benefits,” Mr Mulutula said.
Thunderbolt Solar Company supplies various types of solar energy equipment.
Solar energy is relatively affordable.
It makes life easier and can be used during power blackouts.
It is reliable and safe power and can be used for all applications.
Mr Mulutula noted that Zambia is endowed with enormous renewable sources of energy which include solar, wind, geothermal, among others.
These can be exploited and used to boost electricity availability as well as increase the level of economic activities.
“It’s high time the power utility company is given some level of competition,” he said.
Mr Mulutula said there is need to open up to new alternatives by examining all options so that the country does not suffer from another energy deficit as it did not too long ago.
Zambia is now seriously exploiting other sources of energy and this has triggered more investment in the exploitation of alternative energy sources like solar power which is now being used for street lighting in a number of cities and towns, staring with the capital, Lusaka.
In Lusaka alone, local authorities have installed solar street lights on major roads such as Burma Road and Independence Avenue.
The street lighting initiative has improved the city’s outlook and enhanced security for road users.
Finance Minister Felix Mutati said several investors have shown interest to tap into Zambia’s energy sector through solar initiatives.
He said encouraging investment in solar projects is one of the measures which the Government is using to mitigate energy deficits that could arise.
“Already, we had many inquiries from investors across the globe that are willing to come to Zambia and invest in the solar space, taking a chance on opportunities that it comes with,” he said.
In the same vain Energy Minister David Mabumba said the Government is looking for ways of finding alternative sources of energy in the generation of electricity to supplement hydro electricity supply.
Investment in solar energy generation is essential to respond to the country’s dependence of hydro power.
Therefore, it remains vital that the energy sector continues to embrace alternative sources of energy in an attempt to maintain sustainability in the country’s economic sector.