Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare – In a significant move towards sustainable development, the Government of Zimbabwe has announced the establishment of a National Energy Efficiency Policy aimed at promoting energy efficiency programs throughout the country. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere made the announcement during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Harare yesterday.
“The overall goal of the National Energy Efficiency Policy is to institute energy efficiency programmes in order to promote sustainable development as the country transitions to an Upper Middle-Income Society in line with the objectives of Vision 2030,” Dr. Muswere stated.
He emphasized that the policy is underpinned by core principles including development, sustainability, affordability, accessibility, gender equity, and employment creation.
The Minister outlined several key objectives that will guide the implementation of the policy. These include promoting a comprehensive and integrated energy efficiency strategy, establishing roles and responsibilities for various energy efficiency initiatives, and providing a framework for setting targets across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, mining, transport, agriculture, and industry.
In a bid to facilitate low-carbon development and climate-resilient energy systems, the Cabinet has advised that the government will develop an Energy Efficiency Act and associated regulations. Additionally, a National Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan will be instituted to support these efforts.
Dr. Muswere further highlighted that mandatory energy efficiency audits conducted by approved and certified energy auditors shall be prescribed, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with energy efficiency standards.
The introduction of minimum energy performance standards will also be a critical aspect of this initiative, particularly for selected energy end-users.
The government aims to mandate intensive energy users to obtain certification from recognized energy management standards, such as the Energy Management Systems (ZWS ISO50001), while encouraging other industrial users to follow suit.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Zimbabwe’s journey toward achieving its Vision 2030 objectives, fostering a sustainable and energy-efficient future for the nation.