Zimbabwe is faced with two dilemmas as a nation individually, and collectively as a member of the globe. The first of which is the ongoing energy crisis and the second is global climate change. In the words of Malcom Wicks MP, “Climate change is the global problem par excellence, requiring international solutions. It goes hand in hand with the geopolitics of energy supply and demand, which is an aspect of the nation’s security.”1 The ongoing energy crisis in the country is therefore a testimony that, as a nation Zimbabwe is energy insecure. Low Carbon Energy (LCE) could be the only solution to both the national and global dilemmas mentioned herein. The energy sector in Zimbabwe contributes 60,5% to the country’s Green House Gas emissions.2 If the country is to honor its pledge to reduce its per capita GHG emissions by 33% by 2030, then adopting LCE sources is the only feasible solution.3 Low carbon energy describes the sources of energy that are scientifically proven to produce low levels of carbon emissions or none in comparison to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar, wind, hydro, and biogas and geo-thermal energy have been categorized as LCE sources.4 An estimated investment of 93 trillion is predicted for LCE investments globally over the next 15 years.5 The Paris Agreement and The UN Sustainable Energy for All Initiative projects that LCE sources will account for 40% in the global energy mix in 2040.6 Some of the advantages of LCE can be summarized as follows: They: i. Address GHG emission related environmental concerns thus combating climate change and this is so because they reduce dependency on fossil fuels; ii. Are becoming cheaper as operational costs are decreasing and unlike fossil fuels they are not affected by global market trends; iii. Foster energy security; iv. Are faster to deploy; v. Assist in community development through job creation. On the downside however, they attract high installation costs and some negatively impact flora and fauna. Resultantly, the renewal and rapid de-carbonization of energy infrastructure is somewhat the hugest investment challenge of our age.7 For LCE deployment to be successful, reduce risk and financing cost the government needs to be committed.8 Despite these continuous efforts, LCE deployment in Zimbabwe faces several challenges. Some of these include:

Inadequate legal, policy and institutional frameworks

Although strides are being made to put in place policies and legislation in support of LCE, these are not comprehensive enough. It is commendable that the government through the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority developed a Renewable Energy Policy promulgated in March 2019. However, there is need for a stand-alone Energy Act, to regulate and promote LCE development as opposed to over regulation on one source (in our case solar).This will complement the policy document. Such legislation should address each source of energy issues such as: i. Authorization of self -production of renewable energy generated electricity to natural and legal persona subject to a certain capacity ; production being meant for exclusive self-use of the producer and excess being sold directly to the grid. This is what the regulations relating to net metering are trying to achieve under SI 86/2018. ii. Guaranteed access to the grid of electricity generated from RES. This should then be implemented. iii. Permission to RE generators to develop transmission lines if existing transmission capacity is insufficient. This furthers deployment of RE generated electricity as well as allowing local and international transmission. iv. Streamlining state institutions responsible for influencing the Energy Sector and implementing the Energy Act. This is in order to allow greater participation from Independent Power Producers and making their negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements less difficult. The law and policy in the area should be coherent and implementable without bureaucracy or the overlapping of institutions.

Financing the projects

LCE projects require high upfront capital. Off late the country has not been regarded as good by investors. There is need to improve the country’s track record on the ease of doing business, corruption and related issues. Institutions like the African Development Bank, which widely fund LCE projects have standard criteria which countries ought to meet before funding can be given for projects. This includes a satisfactory track record and financial capacity. Financial support needs to be offered to small and medium sized projects, private sector participation needs to be increased and donor dependency reduced.

Technical challenges to do with grid access (transmission connection)

The most dominant technical challenge when it comes to renewable energy is grid access and transmission for RE generated energy. Both energy law and policy ought to address this issue. The current RE policy does not seem to address this vital issue because whilst off grid solutions can be implemented for remoter areas and rural electrification, there is need to feed more electricity into the main grid which services the urban areas for instance. The existing transmission lines used by fossil fuel sources are discriminatory in their nature towards LCE such as solar and biomass energy due to their intermittent nature. This might necessitate obliging the national transmission company to give access to LCE generated electricity .The only exception would be for very large projects under the BOOT model. However, off grids and mini grid technology are also considered as a lucrative option for deployment of LCE generated electricity especially in the rural parts of the countries. Mini grids are especially characterized by their security and reliability; affordability, profitability and sustainability and low carbon orientation.9 This is something small investors can afford.

Environmental concerns: Climate change

This is more so in respect of hydro-electric power. The rainfall patterns have shifted inevitably as a result of this global phenomenon. This time last year some parts of the country were hit hard by Cyclone Idai resulting in a disaster trail. Such events can destroy even established hydro-power stations. Further, another drought is projected in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa at large.10 This is not only a humanitarian crisis food wise but also in terms of energy security. At this rate reliance cannot be placed on generating electricity from hydro-electric power. As we speak generation of electricity from the Kariba dam itself, the largest source of hydroelectric power in Zimbabwe’s power generation, has dropped drastically due to the Elnino induced drought, with rumors that the utility might shut down completely.11 This means efforts to generate electricity from a low carbon energy source such as hydro might prove rather futile in the end. Be that as it may, the country can make LCE development and implementation a fruitful exercise if the right solutions are adopted for every challenge thus combating climate change and ensuring energy security.