Renewable energy conference roars to life

The third edition of the International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo kicks off in Victoria Falls on Tuesday amid increased impetus to shift from fossil fuels to slow down climate change.

Pressident Emmerson Mnangagwa will officiate at the annual conference organised by The Standard in collaboration with the Energy and Power ministry under the theme: New Development Frontier Net Zero Africa.

The conference and expo set for the Elephant Hills Hotel ends on Friday.

Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) CEO Kenias Mafukidze said the conference was meant to ensure that Africa was not left behind in the race to shift to clean sources of energy.

“The global energy shift is focusing on “accelerating the fossil fuel phase out” due to climate change,” Mafukidze said.

“However, the demand for clean energy across the globe is increasing, hence the need to invest in low carbon energy sources.

“Africa is endowed with abundant renewable energy sources, which could easily transform economies and lives if the right mindset is applied.

“The biggest advantage of the renewable energy sources is that they are naturally replenished on a human timescale, and these are sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.”

Last year’s conference was held in Nyanga and attracted investors, independent power producers, government agencies and top energy experts.

This year’s edition is sponsored Jinko Solar, Steward Bank, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory, Old Mutual and Zesa.

The International Renewable Energy Conference has become a permanent feature in the calendar for Zimbabwe’s energy sector.

The Standard, a leading family newspaper with a national foot print, has also been actively promoting the use of renewable energy sources with a page dedicated to the subject every Sunday.

AMH are the publishers of The Standard, Zimbabwe Independent, NewsDay and Southern Eye.

It also owns Heart&Soul Broadcasting Services, which runs an online teleradio.