Zesa receives solar kits from Unesco

THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has donated solar training equipment worth US$65 000 to Zesa Holdings, a move which will spearhead renewable energy capacity building as Zimbabwe seeks to attain universal electricity access by 2030.

Energy minister Edgar Moyo said the donation was timely as the government was moving towards building capacity and advancing knowledge in the field of renewable energy.

“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and technologies, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come,” Moyo said.

“Moreover, as we celebrate this achievement on the domestic front, it is crucial to recognise that our efforts to promote renewable energy are not isolated but are part of a larger global movement towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.”

Unesco country director Ms Nisha said integration of renewable energy sources was key in combating climate change.

“This aligns with the government's objective of building a more sustainable and inclusive future for all Zimbabweans," Nisha said.

“These high-end training kits in renewable energy represent more than just equipment, they symbolise our commitment to capacity building, knowledge transfer and the empowerment of technicians and graduates in the field of renewable energy.”

Zesa Holdings executive chairperson Sydney Gata welcomed the donation saying it will boost the capacity of the power utility.

“The collaboration between Zesa NTC [National Training Centre] and Unesco underscores the commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the energy sector. By providing equal opportunities for girls and females to access training and employment in renewable energy, the project aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society,” Gata said in a speech read on his behalf by Zesa’s group financial director Eliab Chikwenhere.