National Energy Efficiency Policy approved

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

CABINET has considered and approved the National Energy Efficiency Policy whose goal is to institute energy efficiency programmes to promote sustainable development as the country transitions to an Upper Middle-Income Society in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

In a Post Cabinet Briefing, Dr Jenfan Muswere the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services said the Policy is built on the principles of development, sustainability, affordability, accessibility, gender equity and employment creation.

“The objectives that will be employed to stimulate energy efficiency are as follows: to promote and ensure a comprehensive, integrated and well-informed energy efficiency strategy for effective socio-economic development; to establish the roles and responsibilities for implementing various energy efficiency initiatives and interventions in the country; and to provide a framework for setting targets relating to various energy efficiency interventions in the residential, commercial, mining, transport, agriculture and industrial sectors,” he said.

An Energy Efficiency Act and appropriate regulations, as well as a National Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan which will assist in the achievement of low-carbon development modalities and climate-resilient energy efficient systems are set to be developed too.

Furthermore, Dr Muswere said there will be mandatory energy efficiency audits conducted by approved and certified energy auditors which will be prescribed.

Minimum energy performance standards and regulations will also be established and developed for selected energy end-users. The Government shall mandate intensive energy users, and encourage other industrial users to be certified by a recognized energy management standard such as the Energy Management Systems (ZWS ISO50001), amongst others.

@NyembeziMu