‘Zambia electricity demand outstrips supply’

BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes@SunZambianZAMBIA’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 200 MegaWatts (MW) per annum from the current 2,300MW.The low rates of access to electricity services, coupled with demand for electricity which is projected to increase by 150MW to 200MW presents a huge task for Government.This is according to the Energy Minister, Matthew Nkhuwa.Mr Nkhuwa said this presented an opportunity for the private sector to invest and tap into the many opportunities in Zambia’s power market and contribute to the achievement of set targets of electrification.He was speaking during the official opening of the Renewable Energy in Zambia conference under the theme ‘Renewable Energy in Zambia: Opportunities for French and Zambian companies.’“This scenario calls for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure investments in supply options meet this increasing demand for sustainable energy services,” Mr Nkhuwa said.Mr Nkhuwa said, however, the sector was only able to produce 1,490MW thus giving a deficit of 810MW.He said this situation resulted from limited investment over the years, stating that the deficit had been worsened by the effects of climate change on availability of water, considering that Zambia was highly dependent on hydro power.Government, he indicated, had prioritised the energy sector as a key driver for socio-economic development and a key tool in addressing developmental inequalities in rural areas.“We are committed to creation of an enabling environment that encourages private sector investments in energy infrastructure as evidenced by the approval of the National Energy Policy of 2029 which ushered the enactment of the Electricity Act No. 11 of 2019 and the Energy Regulation Act No.12 of 3019,” Mr Nkhuwa said.He said the Government would continue to enhance the policy and regulatory framework in order to foster investments in the energy sector for accelerated development and provision of electricity services throughout the country.Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Christine Kaseba-Sata, said Covid-19 had derailed a lot of opportunities that affected the growth of economies.Dr Kaseba-Sata said the pandemic should however not stop businesses from forming partnerships to drive growth.She indicated that there were currently 40 French companies operating in Zambia, with most of them investing in the energy sector.“I believe that this forum will give is the opportunity to access the potential of renewable energy in Zambia. It is anticipated that renewable energy will lead Zambia’s sector.“The energy outlook for Zambia looks bright. We will continue as a mission to foster public and private sector with opportunities being offered in Zambia,” she said.Out-going French Ambassador to Zambia, Sylvain Berger, expressed confidence that they would expand its energy sector if he enhanced investment in renewable energy.Mr Berger said the French Government was interested in helping Zambia address its energy challenges.“French companies have capacity to provide alternative sources of energy solutions. This seminar is meant to showcase what the French companies can offer and also financing options,” he said.European Union Ambassador to Zambia, Jancek Jankowski, observed that the country’s energy se for was still undergoing transformation. The Sun