Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Works and supply Minister Mathews Nkhuwa
Government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has embarked on the scaling solar programme which will add an estimated 600 Mega Watts (MW) of solar energy to the national grid in the next few years.
Speaking during the launch of the University of Zambia Solar Centre of Excellence, Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa says the first phase of the development of the 100 MW solar project has already commenced with the first plant with a capacity of 47.5MW nearing completion.
Mr Nkhuwa says government is alive to the fact that one of the factor impending rural electrification is the high connection fees.
He states that the increased use of renewable energy such as solar off grid technologies will not only cushion the country from the adverse effects of climate change, but can also act as a catalyst for enhancing rural development through the promotion of better conditions for women to access better education and health services, improved access to information among others.
The Minister adds that it is his expectation that the solar centre will be an avenue for skills development for young men and women in the solar energy industry.
Speaking at the same event, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director Mandisa Mashologo says the African continent and Zambia in particular stands at a cross road as far as the energy challenge is concerned.
Ms Mashologo says despite technological advancement in the energy sector, Africa is host to half of the 1.2 billion people without access to electricity on the planet, and loses about 600, 000 people to death through diseases that are as a result of air pollution emanating from inadequate energy services.
And UNZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Luke Mumba has thanked government and cooperating partners for the center and has encouraged students to take advantage of it.