Zimbabwe’s energy crisis
Vince Musewe
28 August 2012
Vince Musewe says country stopped investing in new generation capacity in
1984
Zimbabwe energy crisis: African solutions to an African problem?
Government has a reputation of structuring policy around individuals and no
wonder why for 28 years, we have had free riders in the energy ministry.
A couple of weeks back, the Minister of Energy, Elton Mangoma, informed us
on what he is doing to fix the energy crisis in Zimbabwe. I have studied his
speech and must comment on it especially on his short term solutions.
I note that it is since 1984, that Zimbabwe stopped investing in new
generation capacity in the energy sector. That was only 4 years after
independence meaning that for 28 years, no body anticipated that the system
would someday break down or be inadequate to meet our needs. This means that
for 28 years, even though we have had a minister occupying the energy
portfolio, he has been getting paid for doing nothing. Well there is no
revelation in that statement.
Now hear this, the Hwange power station has been operating much below
capacity (between 300 and 500MW) out of a potential capacity of 900MW. Those
responsible for fixing the problem forgot to fix ancillary machinery while
focusing on the rotor and now that the rotor is fixed, they must still
attend to the ancillary equipment. As a result we still have low capacity
utilization of the power station.
Clearly we have had serious mismanagement from all those involved including
ZESA. The minister alludes to this fact whether ZESA is likely be an
acceptable partner in the purchasing of solar generated power from
independent power producers. In my opinion, the old model with ZESA in the
middle has caused so much pain for everyone and its time we came up with
innovative and more efficient distribution model especially for solar power
generation and distribution. In my view restructuring and chunking ZESA, as
the minister announced, will not change the nature of the beast. It merely
means we will have more egos involved more perks to pay and more jobs for
pals.
On the issue of solar panels for homes, I think that it is a good idea to
ensure that these are affordable. I do think however, that we continue to
seriously under rate the solar power solution. We need to be more aggressive
in the use of solar power both for residential and industrial use.
For example, the ministry of energy can put in an incentive for homes to
convert. For example, write off an agreed cost of a home solar power system
against any debt owed to ZESA or provide a subsidy? We could also make it
law that any new residential developments must have solar water heating
systems as water heating is a significant cost. Where possible, we must
encourage homes to be completely off grid thus reducing the demand at all
times and not just during the day as the minister suggests.
In the case of companies, they can invest in solar power plants and be able
to, for example, get tax benefits for doing so or sell that power back to
the grid.
On the issue if locally manufactured solar lamps for US$10, which is
commendable because I have seen some imported lamps being sold for US$ 40!
There has been significant profiteering in this sector and we need to
intervene and save the poor from unscrupulous suppliers. We must encourage
local manufacture of these and create jobs as the minister intends.
Prepaid meters result in energy saving while improving cash flow for power
suppliers. Al though they are not that easy to manage for those that are
unable to budget and do not have consistent income, which is the case for
most Zimbabweans, they remove doubt and suspicions as long as the company
that manages them is a credible one. Minister, why did we have to include
foreign companies in this process? Surely there are enough qualified
Zimbabweans who can run prepaid meter platforms?
There is still some education necessary when it comes to domestic use of
gas. I noted that those in the townships re reverting to paraffin which is
sad development. Again here I see that a Zambian has been appointed to
assist us? There are millions of qualified Zimbabwean engineers in the
Diaspora who can surely do the research and come up with the necessary
solutions.
Overall I think the minister has done his home work but it is very important
that we find quick short term solutions and he cannot do this on his own
without users contributing to save energy.
The fundamental challenge we face is that of information and awareness
within our communities on the importance of energy to our well being as a
country. Energy saving must be a community driven campaign and I see nothing
on that front in the ministers plans.
Last but not least is the use of CFLs’ in Zimbabwe. I am led to believe that
these contain mercury and are harmful to the environment. LED lighting is
the new way and shouldn’t we go that route now to avoid unnecessary future
costs?
I do hope that in the event that if the minister is promoted in the future,
we do get some continuity in policy on whoever takes over. Government has a
reputation of structuring policy around individuals and no wonder why for 28
years we have had free riders in the ministry.
Vince Musewe is an independent economist currently in Harare and you may
contact him on [email protected]