Professor Joseph Mutale, ZARENA, on Driving the Transition to Sustainable Energy, Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), and Innovations in Zambia's Energy Sector
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Zambia Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA) is empowering Zambia to build a sustainable energy future. Professor Joseph Mutale, Chairman, spoke to EnergyNet about the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity-building initiatives, the role of the private sector and the innovations that are positioning the country as a leader in the renewable energy transition.
ZARENA is driving Zambia’s transition to sustainable energy. Please tell us more about your focus and plans.
ZARENA is an important player and key stakeholder in Zambia’s transition to sustainable energy, with a focus on fostering knowledge exchange, promoting energy access in rural communities through renewable energy solutions such as mini-grids and solar home systems.
Capacity development in the renewable energy sector is also a key focus of ZARENA. We actively engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives, facilitating workshops and partnerships to spread expertise in renewable energy technologies across Zambia. We place particular emphasis on creating sustainable business models and securing financing to ensure long-term success of off grid electrification initiatives.
In addition to our technical work, we are committed to empowering women and youth as well as people living with disabilities by providing them with training and opportunities in renewable energy, particularly in solar PV systems design, installation, and maintenance. Collaborating with organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Zambia Gender Energy Network, we aim to build a more inclusive energy sector where underrepresented groups can thrive.
Your initiatives are known for transforming communities and businesses – can you share some of your successes?
One of ZARENA’s key successes has been in knowledge exchange programs, particularly focused on mini-grid business models and financing. Through workshops and collaborations, we’ve helped energy professionals and businesses explore practical solutions for Zambia’s energy challenges. Our capacity-building initiatives have also made a significant impact, particularly for women and youth.
By offering training opportunities in solar energy, we’ve empowered individuals with the skills needed to participate in the renewable energy sector. These efforts have helped create opportunities for underrepresented groups and contributed to the growth of local expertise in the renewable energy space.
ZARENA has a really interesting partnership with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland – we would love to know more about this.
ZARENA’s partnership with the University of Strathclyde in Scotland is part of the Global Renewables Center (GRC) initiative, which is funded by the Scottish Government. This collaboration focuses on knowledge exchange and capacity building to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Zambia. The GRC initiative is facilitating collaboration Rwanda and Malawi creating opportunities to learn from each other.
In Phase 1 of the GRC, we hosted a series of workshops and field trips that centered on mini-grids and the productive use of energy. These activities brought together local and international experts to share insights and practical knowledge, creating valuable learning opportunities for Zambian energy professionals and communities.
As we move into Phase 2, our partnership with Strathclyde is expanding to enhance local renewable energy hubs, such as those at the University of Zambia Solar Center and the National Science Center. We are also working on projects like solar-powered water pumps in Southern Province, aimed at helping communities severely impacted by climate change. This collaboration has been pivotal in enabling ZARENA to contribute to Zambia’s renewable energy transition while fostering international cooperation.
Zambia's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a major, forward-looking initiative. How will its implementation impact on the energy deficit , and are there particular opportunities for the private sector?
Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a roadmap for the development of the country’s electricity up to 2050. It outlines a least development plan for the sector that will ensure Zambia’s growing energy demand is met by a diverse mix of generation technologies including hydro, solar PV, wind, geothermal biomass as well as thermal. The diversification of generation mix will enhance system resilience to climate change, especially to droughts.
The IRP will be implementation in an Open Access Regime which opens significant opportunities for the private sector participation. An Independent System and Market is being established to assure a level playing field for all players in the electricity market. Private companies can invest in the development of solar and wind projects, as well as mini grids for rural electrification. There are also opportunities for businesses to participate in energy efficiency projects and innovations that support the productive use of energy in both rural and urban areas.
With the right policy frameworks and incentives in place, the private sector will play a key role in helping Zambia achieve its energy targets, reduce the energy deficit, and create a more sustainable and reliable energy supply for the future.
As alluded to above, Zambia is setting up an independent system and market operator as a key enabler for private sector participation in Zambia’s energy market.
Other development supportive of private sector participations includes net metering regime that has been approved, the creation of open and transparent procurement framework for power projects. A single licencing system framework has been developed, also referred to as a one-stop-shop, which will streamline and optimise procedures for investment in generation.
Furthermore, private investment in energy efficiency technologies and innovations aimed at improving grid management will enhance reliability and sustainability.
With opportunities in mini-grid development, off-grid solutions, and independent power production, the private sector can work alongside government initiatives to achieve Zambia’s energy targets and create a greener future.
What new ideas and innovations in energy are you particularly excited about for Zambia?
I am particularly excited about several emerging innovations in Zambia's energy sector. Solar mini-grids can provide reliable power to off-grid rural communities, enhancing local economies and resilience.
Additionally, advancements in energy storage solutions, such as battery technology, will stabilize renewable energy supply by allowing excess solar and wind energy to be stored and used during peak demand or when the sun is not shining and wind is not blowing.
Waste-to-energy technologies present another promising approach, converting agricultural and urban waste into energy, which addresses waste management while generating clean energy.
The implementation of smart grids will improve the efficiency and reliability of the energy infrastructure, enabling better management and integration of renewable sources.
Furthermore, green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, can serve as a clean fuel alternative for transportation, industry, and energy storage.
Lastly, empowering local communities to develop and manage their own community-based renewable energy projects fosters innovation and tailors solutions to local needs.
Collectively, these innovations offer solutions to Zambia's energy challenges and align with global sustainability trends, positioning the country as a leader in the renewable energy transition.
Professor Mutale is a speaker at the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit, taking place 18–20 November 2024, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.