By Takudzwa Tondoya
Energy and Power Development deputy Minister Yeukai Simbanegavi says the country is moving closer to joining a regional effort aimed at boosting access to clean, affordable energy across Southern Africa.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Simbanegavi said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) is working to ensure that all member countries have access to modern and sustainable energy by 2030.
“SACREEE’s main goal is to help countries in the region shift to cleaner and more efficient energy sources. This is about improving energy security and making energy more accessible to ordinary people,” Simbanegavi told Parliament
The centre was set up in 2013 and 2015 through agreements made at two SADC energy ministers’ meetings.
However, it’s still not fully up and running as only five of SADC’s 16 member states have officially signed the agreement and it needs two-thirds to become fully operational.
Despite this, SACREEE is already helping countries build systems and test new clean energy solutions that could be expanded region-wide, Simbanegavi said.
Zimbabwe is expected to benefit from shared expertise and technical support once it formally joins.
“By signing this agreement, Zimbabwe will be able to work closely with other countries in the region to promote clean energy and boost our energy security,” she said.
The centre, Simbanegavi said will help shape energy policies, attract investment in renewable energy projects, and provide training and technical help to member states.
It will be funded through annual contributions from participating countries, channeled via national institutions.
“Zimbabwe wants to formalize its involvement in this important initiative. I call on this House to approve the Memorandum of Agreement so we can officially become a party to SACREEE.” ,” Simbanegavi said.
