National Energy Policy Workshop Cross cutting Issues
1. Increasing access to affordable energy Issue: : Low access to commercial energy especially for rural areas Policy Proposal: Govt to absorb some of the sunk costs of energy infrastructure to serve the poor. Promote decentralised renewable energy systems for rural areas Build capacity of local enterprises
2. Stimulating economic growth and poverty eradication Issues: Lack of energy stifling economic growth Policy Proposal: Energy should be supplied at cost-reflective tariffs accounting for production needs Subsidies to be targeted and implemented transparently Promote income generating energy projects e.g. electricity for irrigation and small scale rural enterprises. Promote use of modern technologies for biomass fuels.
3. Institutional arrangements and energy sector governance Issues: : Poor co-ordination ordination and uneven regulation in the sector Policy Proposal clarify roles of institutions in energy development and delivery Institute mechanisms for improved coordination Regular consultations between Government and stakeholders An energy sector-wide regulator will be introduced
4. Improving capacity Issue: Low capacity and loss of skilled manpower Policy Proposal: Government capacity will be strengthened to enable it to formulate and implement viable energy policies. Training programs will be arranged /organized Private sector will be invited to collaborate with Government in funding and organizing energy related training.
5. Information and planning Issue: Lack of up-to to-date information on energy resources Policy Proposal: A consolidated and up-to to-date national energy database, supported by necessary legislation will be developed through a consultative process. Capacity for data collection and database development and management within MOEPD
5. Information and planning (contd) Surveys and field studies to establish and characterise the energy resources in the country (coal, CBM, uranium and geothermal) will be carried out. Consumer education on energy issues Collaboration with local and regional energy centres of excellence.
6. Energy and environment Issue: Energy exploitation and use causing environmental damage Policy Proposal Improve access to commercial energy for the poor and rural communities Set up minimum performance standards for equipment, vehicles and factories Provide training and capacity building for maintenance and technology upgrades,
6. Energy and environment (contd( contd) Minimize the adverse environmental effects of energy exploitation and use Play a meaningful role in regional and international environmental programs
7. Investment in the energy sector Issue: Lack of investment in the energy sector Policy Proposal Finalise a national policy on public-private private partnerships and private sector participation in the energy sector A detailed package of investor incentives and procedures will be produced.
7.. Investment in the energy sector (contd) Feasibility studies will be commissioned for key projects- develop marketting material. Apply innovative tariffs that account for value of products in addition to cost of electricity A specialised investment unit will also be set up in the MOEPD to support power sector investors.
8. Improving energy security through diversity in supply Issue: Dependence on insecure sources of energy Policy Proposal Develop a mixture of supply options for each demand sub-sector. sector. Support the development of new and more efficient energy technologies Promote coal - to -liquid technology, biodiesel, and ethanol blending to reduce the country s dependence on imported petroleum fuels Participate in regional energy trading and cooperation
9. Energy for Rural development Issue: Rural development hampered by lack of energy Policy Proposal Adopt a more consultative bottom-up approach to energy planning. Decentralise rural energy development Integrate rural energy development with other rural development programs
9. Energy for Rural development (contd) Training and capacity building for locals Fund rural electrification programs in collaboration with line institutions New and flexible financing mechanisms to be developed Access to modern energy sources will be increased Efficient conversion technologies will be promoted
10. Research and development. Issues: Weak linkages between policy makers and researchers. Poor funding of research. Policy Proposals: A national energy research policy and priorities to be developed Support energy related research; and Develop and formalise structures and mechanism for coordinating research.
10. Research and development (contd( contd) Develop or adapt energy technologies to suit the Zimbabwean situation Coal-to to-liquids technologies Renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, biodiesel, ethanol etc.) Electricity production, transmission and distribution Encourage research into the socio-cultural cultural aspects of energy use Improve research co-operation operation between public and private researchers
12. Energy and gender Issue: Women not involved in formulation of energy policy and programs Policy Proposal: accelerate the representation of women at all levels and in all spheres of energy development and management activities; ensure gender balance by defining the key roles played by women, men and children
13. Regional and International energy trading and co-operation operation Promote regional and international energy trade and cooperation through: Regional interconnection of electricity grids Continued Participation in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP); Include regional needs whane planning new energy supply projects.
13. Regional and International energy trading and co-operation operation (contd( contd) Rationalise coordination of procurement and distribution of petroleum products; Harmonise legal and fiscal policies and regimes on the production, transport and distribution of energy products;