‘Energy diversification key’

By SILUMESI MALUMOZAMBIA’S diversification of the energy sector into wind, solar and thermal energy will cushion the power challenges and contribute massively to the country’s economic growth, Energy Forum Zambia has said.Zesco recently announced that it would tap into other sources of energy to improve and sustain operations.Forum chairperson, Johnston Chikwanda, said the only way the power utility could sustain operations was by tapping into other energy sources other than hydro-power.He said in an interview yesterday that diversification was the only way which could end the energy deficit which had characterised the country for many years now.“The energy is very key to economic growth because key sectors such as manufacturing, mining sectors among others depend on energy for production, “he said.Mr Chikwanda said the projects which the power utility would embark could take long but it would they would be beneficial in long run.Recently, Zesco Managing Director, Victor Mundende, said that the power utility was now diversifying into wind, energy and thermal power to increase power generation.He said Zesco had finalised the feasibility studies for solar power projects in Northern Province and was waiting for funds to start the projects.The Managing Director said the project was expected to start this year.Mr Chikwanda was optimistic that the development would surely make a huge difference in the energy sector which had been grappling with challenges for many years.He was happy that the power utility company was fulfilling what had been enshrined in the Seventh National Development Plan