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Zambia calls for diversification of energy sources

Xinhua, December 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

A conference aimed at sharing information on the development of renewable energies in the southern African nation opened here Monday with Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina calling for diversification of power generation sources in view of poor rainfall patterns.

The conference dubbed "Southern Africa for a Renewable Future" has been organized by the French Embassy in view of the energy deficit facing countries in the region due to growing population and economic progress which have put a strain on power supply.

The Zambian vice-president said hydropower generation will drastically reduce if the poor rainfall pattern continues hence the need to explore alternative renewable energy sources.

Countries, she said, were seeking renewable energy technologies in diversifying the source of power generation in order to mitigate the negative impact of power deficit.

According to her, the conference has brought together key players in the sector to discuss the role of renewable energy in mitigating effects of climate change and increasing energy access, adding that sharing of knowledge at a regional and global level was key in scaling up the use of renewable energy in the region.

She has since challenged the private sector to take advantage of the potential existing in Zambia's energy sector where only 50 percent of the country's installed 2,700 megawatts of hydro power was being produced.

French Ambassador to Zambia said his government was ready to partner with Zambia and other countries in the region in the development of renewable energy and advised the countries to access financing and technology for development of renewable energy.

The conference has attracted participants from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to a statement from the French Embassy, the southern African region had a unique opportunity to pursue sustainable energy development as a basis for long-term prosperity especially that the region was endowed with renewable energy sources. Endit