Seize renewable energy window, says REAZ

SAMANTHA MADE

Zimbabweans have been urged to seize the  renewable energy window, with industry leaders warning that delays in investment and adoption could mean missing out on one of the most significant economic opportunities of the decade.

Delivering the keynote address at the Solar and Storage Zimbabwe 2025 conference, Isaiah Nyakusendwa, Chairman of the Renewable Energy Association of Zimbabwe (REAZ), said the nation’s rapid economic growth—driven by mining, agriculture, services, and manufacturing—is putting immense pressure on an already strained electricity system.

“Solutions can come from solar installations,” Nyakusendwa said, stressing that energy security will determine whether Zimbabwe can sustain its growth momentum.

He highlighted deepening structural shortages, with power demand consistently outstripping supply.

“Our total maximum supply side is about 1,690 megawatts, with focused demand of 1,545. This was on the 15th of November. Total required capacity was about 1,844, which includes export commitments. So, we had shortfalls of 634 megawatts in the evening and 361 megawatts in the afternoon. You can see the scale of our challenge,” he said.

Nyakusendwa said these deficits underline the urgency for businesses, households, financiers, and project developers to aggressively adopt renewable solutions.

Despite persistent shortfalls, he acknowledged government efforts to open the energy space to private participation.

“We have also seen an enabling environment. We want to see more. We want to applaud the government for taking steps to allow people to start or have licenses for retailing electricity. At the moment, about four licenses have been granted,” he said.

He highlighted that net metering, one of the quickest avenues for generating additional capacity, remains heavily underutilised. Zimbabwe could potentially harvest up to 300 megawatts if the right incentives and regulatory clarity were in place.

“Currently, as of the 10th of November, 65 megawatts were commissioned for net metering, with about 30 applications in the pipeline. That brings us to roughly 95 megawatts already on net metering. ZESA’s target of 100 megawatts will be surpassed by year-end, but much more remains untapped. My point is, we could actually be harvesting about 300 megawatts if strategic policies and investments are prioritised,” he said.

Nyakusendwa also noted that Zimbabwe is now eligible to access a regional World Bank funding window, marking a significant shift after years of isolation from major multilateral financing.

“The World Bank has been assisting the government to review policies. The National Energy Policy, the National Energy Integrated Resource Plan, and the National Energy Strategy have all been evaluated. Many good policies have emerged, which is encouraging as we work to maximise renewable energy adoption,” he said.

He added that ongoing engagements with the World Bank could accelerate private-sector participation.

“The regional funding window is a milestone for the country, and indications are that access may come sooner than expected,” Nyakusendwa said.

Powermec, part of the Zimplow Group, is driving national energy resilience through alternative power solutions.

“Through our strategic partnership with Aiko, a global leader in high-efficiency solar technology, we are expanding access to reliable and sustainable power systems across Zimbabwe,” said Vincent Chidindi, Business Head of Powermec.

Chidindi said the group’s focus is on empowering the agricultural sector, ensuring farmers have the energy security needed to maximise productivity and contribute to national food security.

“Supporting agriculture means supporting the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy. Our mandate is clear—to complement government efforts in strengthening the national power supply and advancing the renewable energy objectives outlined under the National Development Strategy (NDS), the Renewable Energy Policy, and Vision 2030,” he said.

He added that Powermec is partnering with local solar installers and supplying customers nationwide through key branches to ensure accessibility of trusted solar solutions.

“By collaborating with reputable international manufacturers such as Aiko, we bolster energy independence, enhance technology transfer, and support Zimbabwe’s transition to a cleaner, more reliable, and self-sufficient power future,” Chidindi said.

Earlier, Isaac Chiridza, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, stressed that reliable and widespread access to clean energy is essential for national development.

“Energy is the only thing that gives hope to the people. Where there is energy, there is opportunity. No energy, no opportunity,” Chiridza said.

He urged Zimbabwe to embrace renewable energy not only as an economic imperative but as a social and environmental necessity.

“A clean environment provides a greener, more prosperous future. Solar energy is a belief,” he said, calling on citizens, policymakers, and investors to drive the energy transition forward.

“We need to push for that. Let’s move forward with this energy transition, which will shape the state of the nation and the prosperity of our shared community,” Chiridza added.