VICTORIA FALLS, Apr. 9 (NewsDay Live) – Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development Yeukai Simbanegavi says this year's International Renewable Energy Conference & Expo has brought together experts and stakeholders from the renewable energy sector to accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable energy.
In a speech read on her behalf by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Gloria Magombo, on Tuesday evening, Simbanegavi said the conference will explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector and foster lively debates, idea-sharing, and collaboration.
The conference is running under the theme "Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future".
It is organised annually by The Standard in collaboration with the Power and Energy Development ministry and is in its 6th year.
The Standard is published by Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) alongside NewsDay and Zimbabwe Independent. AMH also operates tele-radio stations HStv.
“This conference brings together experts and stakeholders from the renewable energy sector. I look forward to engaging in lively debates, sharing innovative ideas, and learning from each other's experiences,” she said.
“Our objective is to accelerate the transition to a better future, clean sustainable energy investment, and to explore innovative solutions to the challenges which we face. My hope is that the conference will not only raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy, but also leads to concrete action and commitment.”
Simbanegavi highlighted the importance of private sector investment, particularly from international partners like the European Union, which has a programme to fund private sector initiatives.
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“I was going through earlier on the resolutions which we did last year and think we came up with about 12 resolutions, looking at investments, especially through the private sector and the role of private sector coming in with potential pledges coming from some of our international partners like the European Union, who have a program to fund private sector,” she said.
“We also looked at some of the issues related to some of the commitments which government has made in terms of support, issues of, current compatibility, and all other various issues which I have brought onto the table, including the launch of an energy efficiency policy, which we have been talking about for years.”
She also noted that with Zimbabwe and other southern African countries increasingly investing in renewable energy, this conference aims to drive progress in the sector and create a sustainable future for all.
“So we look forward to some of these critical resolutions being fulfilled over the period and also tomorrow morning to talk about what we have achieved and we believe that we have moved from just talking to doing things,” she said.
“I think if you look through our program, we are looking at funding options, looking at our pension funds, banking, looking at the issues of the new technologies we could be talking about from storage, and also looking at any other newer technologies like waste to energy. We are also looking at, the issues to do with, how to access finance, funding through carbon credit and what Zimbabwe is doing in that space.”
In his welcome remarks, the Mayor of Victoria Falls, Thuso Moyo said the conference offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on climate-resilient actions.
“This year's theme, ‘Sustainable Energy Investments for a Better Future,’ is particularly timely. As we convene to share knowledge and ideas, shaping a future powered by clean and sustainable energy, Victoria Falls stands as a testament to natural wonder and innovation. We are excited about ongoing and upcoming projects in our renewable energy sector, which will help meet our energy demands, reduce shortages, and create a more sustainable future for all,” he said.
“This conference offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on climate-resilient actions. We must emphasize a gender-sensitive energy transition, ensuring all voices are heard and represented in building a cleaner, greener world.”
He noted that to achieve energy security and self-sufficiency, Zimbabwe will need to harness new technologies and partnerships.
“As a tourism destination, we are thrilled that this conference highlights not only energy solutions but also the potential for green jobs, youth innovations, and net metering – key elements in ensuring energy security and propelling our nation toward Vision 2030, Africa Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
“To achieve energy security and self-sufficiency, we will need to harness new technologies and partnerships. I'm proud to announce that our conservation efforts have earned us the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation status, a testament to our commitment to sustainability.”
