Integrate industrial hemp and lithium in energy storage value chain — Prof Nyazema

STAFF WRITER

Zimbabwe has been urged to strategically integrate industrial hemp and lithium into its energy storage value chain as the country seeks to strengthen energy security, deepen value addition and position itself as a credible player in emerging clean energy technologies.

The call comes at a time of rapidly rising global demand for efficient energy storage solutions to support renewable energy systems, electric mobility and grid stability, as countries accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

Experts note that hemp biomass, when converted into biochar through a process known as pyrolysis, yields a carbon-rich material with properties highly sought after in advanced energy storage applications. These include high porosity, a large surface area, tuneable surface functional groups and strong electrochemical stability.

Unlike fossil-based carbons such as graphite — which are energy-intensive to produce and often imported — hemp-derived biochar can be manufactured with significantly lower energy inputs and a much smaller environmental footprint.

“Biochar derived from hemp stalks has been shown to enhance electrode performance in batteries, supercapacitors and hydrogen storage devices,” said researcher Professor Norman Nyazema.
“Research highlights its role in improving energy density and cycling stability, which are critical for emerging technologies such as lithium-air and solid-state batteries.”

Zimbabwe is among Africa’s leading lithium producers, with several mining and processing projects at various stages of development. However, a large share of the mineral continues to be exported in raw or semi-processed form, constraining downstream industrial benefits.

According to experts, integrating hemp-derived carbon materials into lithium battery production could help Zimbabwe move beyond mineral extraction towards higher-value manufacturing.

“For Zimbabwe, where lithium and other critical minerals are abundant, integrating hemp-derived carbon into battery value chains could reduce dependency on imported inputs and foster local innovation,” Prof Nyazema said.

Energy analysts say energy storage has become a central pillar of the global energy transition, enabling intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind to deliver stable and reliable power. As Zimbabwe continues to scale up solar generation and other renewable projects, the absence of local energy storage manufacturing remains a major gap.

Beyond energy storage, hemp-based biochar offers wider economic and environmental benefits. Industrial hemp is a fast-growing, climate-resilient crop that can be cultivated on marginal land, creating income opportunities for farmers while supporting sustainability goals.

The development of hemp-lithium energy storage technologies could therefore create strong linkages between agriculture, mining and manufacturing, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader industrialisation and value-addition ambitions under Vision 2030.

Experts caution, however, that success will hinge on supportive policy frameworks, sustained investment in research and development, and closer collaboration between universities, industry and government.

“Zimbabwe has a rare opportunity to combine its natural resource endowment with scientific innovation,” said Prof Nyazema.
“With the right policy direction, hemp and lithium could form the backbone of a locally anchored energy storage industry that supports renewable energy expansion and export competitiveness.”

In recent years, Government has moved to open up industrial hemp production under controlled licensing systems, while also prioritising the beneficiation of lithium and other critical minerals.

Analysts argue that better alignment of these policy initiatives could enable Zimbabwe to capture greater value from the global clean energy transition, reduce reliance on imported battery components and strengthen long-term energy resilience.

As demand for energy storage technologies continues to accelerate worldwide, stakeholders believe that early investment in integrated, sustainable value chains could give Zimbabwe a competitive edge in a fast-evolving global market.