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Located in the tropics at relatively high elevations, where the cloud coverage during summer months is significant but winters typically enjoy clear skies, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to utilize solar power as its principal energy source and undoubtedly as the leading form of clean energy.
Private enterprises and homeowners from higher income brackets, including those considered middle-class, have taken the initiative in adopting solar technology. Many established companies lacking significant power-consuming machinery increasingly depend on solar energy. Furthermore, an increasing number of individuals are adding a few solar panels to their rooftops every day.
The government has taken action by enacting policies requiring all hospitals, clinics, and schools to install basic solar systems capable of providing lighting, maintaining operational refrigerators for vaccines, and powering computers and communication devices, which are increasingly common in educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
The borehole drilling scheme now includes solar powered pumps, and in a major policy, rural households no longer have to wait for the national Zesa grid, but will be getting in a multi-year programme minimum solar packages for the essentials.
Meanwhile, a trial initiative is underway whereby mini-grids are installed in commercial hubs, allowing both local enterprises and nearby residences to benefit from a single, more substantial setup.
It is now time to begin consolidating all the gathered experiences and insights from both service providers and end-users. We must determine the most effective types of products and methods to enhance productivity. This should be done methodically, encompassing the production of solar panels, batteries, and related accessories to support the longstanding local manufacturing efforts focused primarily on solar water heating systems.
Following Cabinet approval, an agreement has now been inked with the International Solar Alliance to create a Solar Technology Application Resource Center (STAR-C) at Chinhoyi University of Technology. This initiative aims to specifically build the necessary advanced research and development infrastructure, consolidating all relevant information for establishing optimal practices that can then be implemented effectively.
The rivalry in the solar sector remains minimal. Wind energy won’t be significant in Zimbabwe because we lack the persistent high-speed breezes needed.
Flying a kite in the countryside is nearly impossible. While hydropower has been considered significant, the inconsistent river levels due to climate change have rendered this method much more unreliable.
Solar remains relatively expensive in terms of initial investment when compared to coal and hydropower options, yet the advantage lies in its free fuel source, and prices continue to decline.
In any case, the sort of money that the Batoka Gorge scheme would need could, if applied to solar, light up a vast area of Zimbabwe and have a far more consistent supply of power than a hydro scheme that swung so much between 100MW and 1 200MW output.
The Energy and Power Development Minister, July Moyo, envisions the new Chinhoyi research center focusing on the possible production of solar panels in Zimbabwe and investigating various battery alternatives.
The production of panels would initially still necessitate certain imported components, but over time it could shift towards using increasingly locally sourced materials instead of focusing mainly on assembly.
Producing batteries necessitates a substantial industrial foundation initially, along with likely obtaining licenses for sophisticated designs and technologies.
There are two primary kinds of lithium batteries: lithium-ion batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries. Manufacturers in Zimbabwe should focus their efforts primarily on the latter type.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in smartphones and various smaller electronic devices.
It has been enlarged and is utilized in certain electric vehicles. Its higher energy density renders it nearly indispensable when the smallest possible battery size is required; however, enlarging it has led to some safety concerns, including instances of fire.
In its most recent iterations, the lithium ferrous phosphate battery is considered much more appropriate for heavy-duty applications due to its superior discharge rates, considerably lower costs, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety features, even though it has a lower energy density compared to some alternatives.
A significant portion of recent studies have been conducted in China by BYD, the global leader in electric vehicle production. The company’s focus on developing this technology instead of expanding smartphone battery manufacturing has proven highly successful, with their sales experiencing substantial growth.
More intriguingly, all the raw materials needed for this battery can be sourced entirely from Zimbabwe: lithium, iron ore, and phosphates for the cathode, along with carbon for the anodes. Substantial investments would first be necessary to develop the infrastructure, establish lithium processing facilities, and construct the industrial plant for producing ferrous phosphate—all prior to establishing the actual battery factory.
However, having all these options readily available makes the investment worthwhile to consider. Along with the solar panels, we should also explore other solar technologies. Using solar panels and batteries to run a geyser requires numerous panels. In contrast, our current rooftop solar water heater accomplishes this task at a significantly lower cost.
Although some homeowners install geysers and solar panels on their rooftops, many still depend on ZESA for heating water during power outages. Both solutions appear necessary.
The other major household energy demand comes from cooking, and once more, numerous solar panels and batteries would be necessary to power a stove.
Liquid petroleum gas has become a major option, but it does need a wide network of dealers who can refill cylinders.
These can now be found in cities as well as in lower-density suburban areas where most residents are within walking distance of an authorized provider.
However, in remote regions, owning a vehicle is essential due to the dependence on firewood.
Many farmers can opt for biogas as they possess the manure needed for fuel; however, its uptake has been quite sluggish.
Minister Moyo expressed interest in having many individuals with solar panels adopt Zesa’s smart metering system. This way, they could potentially sell excess electricity back to the grid during peak production times like noon when their generation was high but consumption was low. Using these meters, customers would be charged based solely on the difference between the amount of electricity drawn from Zesa and the quantity supplied to Zesa.
The newly established center at Chinhoyi University of Technology must be capable of quickly initiating connections between current activities, future plans, and desired outcomes. It should integrate these elements effectively while staying informed about global technological advancements. This approach ensures optimal utilization of our constrained financial resources for maximum impact.
Provided by GAPTEKZONE. (
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