The 5th episode of Green is Gold an online series aired on the 16th of June on ZTN, exploring the full potential of renewable energy in Zimbabwe through investments.
By Audrey Mutasa
Speaking to Zimbabwe TV Network (ZTN) on the Hivos Green and Inclusive Energy (GIE) programme, the two guests Victor Utedzi and Tafadzwa Mundicha highlighted the importance of clean energy investment, citing that it is important to make it available at an affordable price.
“Energy poverty remains widespread despite Zimbabwe’s great potential in embracing sustainable energy. However, efforts are being made to eradicate the energy poverty in Zimbabwe to make it available even for the marginalized communities,” said Utedzi
As an international organization that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues, Hivos and its partners under the GIE programme has partnered with Zimbabwe Television Network to reach the marginalized communities through an online programme titled ‘Green is Gold’, to educate communities on how they can embrace global warming and use it to their advantage at a low cost. This is also in response to the effects of Covid-19 where on the ground lobby and advocacy programmes cannot be implemented
Speaking to ZTN Victor Utedzi said the introduction of PV Solar is a great initiative for the country. It is an established mainstream and a best solution to electrify rapidly. PV solar is quick, cheap and available technology that can be deployed to people at an affordable price.
Mundicha emphasized that renewable energy is pivotal for a country like Zimbabwe because it presents a lot of opportunities. Local investors should build a facility for foreign investors, but Zimbabweans should support this initiative. Investing in clean energy could actually mean it can also be accessed by the marginalized communities.
The overall objective of the programme is to help transition of energy systems in Southern Africa from unsustainable and dirty to green and inclusive energy needs for women and men in their daily lives. It envisions a green and inclusive energy system that creates economic opportunities and growth whilst mitigating climate change.
The five-week television program aired its last episode on 16 June 2020. The programme constituted direct phone-ins , WhatsApp and Facebook engagements and an in-depth talk show that involved expert analysis.
The Green and Inclusive Energy (GIE) programme is Hivos’ five-year strategic partnership with the Dutch government ENERGIA and IIED, launched at the beginning of 2016 to help alleviate the energy poverty situation in Southern Africa.
In Southern Africa the project is focusing on Malawi and Zimbabwe. The two countries have faced challenges in providing reliable, affordable and better quality electricity due to various problems which range from obsolete national grid infrastructure, investment in high cost inefficient technologies like coal plants and weak investment framework in the renewable energy sector.
To follow the proceedings of this episode on unleashing the potential of renewable energy in Zimbabwe, click here https://youtu.be/x9MIAfsbbFE
