Government Launches Plans To Improve Energy Management

Yesterday, the New Dawn Government launched three initiatives and plans of action to improve the management of the energy sector.

The plans are part of the Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) project.

The scheme, which has been co-founded by the European Union (EU) and COMESA, involves the creation of the Energy Management Information System, Zambia Power Development Framework and the Energy Sector Strategies.

The programme was announced by Peter Kapal, Minister of Energy, who outlined that it will transform the energy sector.

He said, “The successful implementation of the three strategies requires the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Let me, therefore implore the private and public sector institutions, the cooperating partners, research institutions, civil society and other key stakeholders to support the Ministry of Energy.”

The scheme has been separated into two main sections. Firstly, the Zambia Development Framework will help to streamline the processes and producers in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Strategy is set to ensure systematic investment into the renewable energy market.

Arnaud Borchard, Head of Cooperation for the European Union delegation to Zambia and COMESA, explained that the EU and Zambia have had a strong relationship and lauded the success of previous energy initiatives.

He outlined that the EU had invested over K4.2 billion in the sector during the renovation of the Kariba dam and would continue to offer Zambia support.

This article originally appeared in BBC News