Solar industry leaders warn of consequences of abandoning Zambia’s integrated energy resource plan

Zambia’s energy security will continue to face challenges unless adequate resources are secured for the implementation of the Integrated Energy Resource Plan (IRP).

This warning was issued by the Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ) President, Matanda Mwewa, during an interview with journalists on Thursday in Lusaka.

Zambia had established a 30-year electricity planning roadmap called the Integrated Resource Plan, which outlined the diversification of the country’s energy mix by promoting renewable energy to produce a surplus as the population grows.

Mwewa stated the importance of resource allocation and decisive action to ensure the objectives of the plan are achieved.

“Zambia has one of the best documents for integrating renewable sources of energy to increase uptake. History should not repeat itself where the country lags behind in terms of action, as the country will not make progress towards energy security,” he stated.

Mwewa further noted that with concrete action, Zambia is well-positioned to guarantee energy security for future generations.

“Zambia should be proactive with action and political will to meet the objectives of the 30-year plan,” he added.

The Integrated Resource Plan also aimed to position Zambia as a regional electricity trading hub and contribute to mitigating climate change, among other progressive goals.

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