SOLAR ENERGY REMAINS FEASIBLE FOR ZAMBIA

SOLAR ENERGY REMAINS FEASIBLE FOR  ZAMBIA 

...as the country stands to benefit about $2.5 billion from the 800MW solar energy plant -Renewable Energy  Expert.

Prof. Prem Jain, expert in renewable energy and environment, also a lecturer at UNZA


By Alfonso Kasongo

Solar energy remains key and feasible for drought prone Zambia as the hydro-power dependent southern African nation stands to earn an estimated $2.5 billion in 25 years through a successful installation of the 800MW solar power plant compared to coal energy, a renewable energy and environmental expert has revealed.

Professor Prem Jain, an expert in renewable energy and environment, also a lecturer at the University of Zambia in his research, says Zambia can absorb more than 800MW of solar power on her national grid, however, warning that the continued over use of the Kariba dam, country's biggest hydro power generation vessel makes the country more vulnerable to climate shocks.

Speaking during a science cafe on the feasibility of renewable energy in  Zambia, Prof. Jain emphasized on the need for the country to focus on increasing the share of solar energy in country's energy mix by installing atleast 800MW solar power in order to avert power crisis during climate shocks.

The renewable expert added that, as the southern African nation grapple with power energy generation due to climatic effects, it is possible the country can depend on solar power as it only takes one hectare to generate 1MW of power.

Meanwhile Prof. Jain warned "coal power generation should be avoided as it is not sustainable and will be irrelevant in 50-60 years," further reiterating the need for holistic thinking to devise long term plan and adequate action for guaranteed power security and sustainability.

However, Prof. Jain highlighted some of the barriers hindering solar energy which include among others, lack of training, lack standards testing, lack of awareness due to less demonstration centres, lack of research and development and lack of consultancy and advisory.

And speaking at the same event, Engineering Institute of Zambia Energy Committee Vice chairperson Eng. Geoffrey  Chiyumbe called for the establishment of the presidential Aid on energy in give timely and effective advice on matters of energy.

Eng. Geoffrey  Chiyumbe

The cafe was organized by the Zambia Academy of Sciences (ZaAS) in collaboration with Dziwa Science and Technology (DSaT). 

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