Source: The Herald – Breaking news. Fungai Lupande, Mashonaland Central Bureau Zimbabwe has achieved significant energy savings of more than 100 Megawatts by implementing the regulations on banning incandescent bulbs. The nation has promoted use of energy-efficient light emitting diode (LED) lights, although far more could be done to boost efficiencies and so slash load shedding This amount of savings is equivalent to half of the country’s electricity imports. The peak energy demand in Zimbabwe stands at 1,865 megawatts against a supply of 1,650 megawatts in normal times but little more than 1 300MW at present with Zambezi River flows so low.
This figure is alarming, considering the country’s energy crisis and the need for sustainable development. Sibanda highlighted that the energy sector is responsible for a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. He emphasized the importance of energy efficiency measures to mitigate these emissions and promote sustainable development.
ZERA had achieved over 93 compliance rates and conducted over 15 000 inspections since 2018, removing over 18 megawatts of inefficient lighting products from the market. ZERA now aims to achieve sustainable development goal 7 of ensuring universal access to modern energy services by 2030 with energy efficiency playing a key role. This success in energy efficiency with lighting could be extended to cooling appliances, refrigerators, and air conditioners. “The objective is to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix,” he said. “Over 18 megawatts of inefficient lighting products have been removed from the market, and currently, the country has four companies that are manufacturing EE lighting products locally,” he said.
To support these efforts, ZERA had invested over US$600,000 in training 230 certified energy managers, 50 certified energy auditors, and 18 certified measurement and verification professionals. Additionally, ZERA was working on establishing an energy efficiency fund to drive innovation and reward initiatives. Legislation, including energy management regulations, minimum energy performance standards for domestic appliances, and the national energy efficiency policy, had been put in place to promote energy efficiency.
