Sustainable energy in Zimbabwe - status, challenges and solutions

Abstract

A potential solution to Zimbabwe's energy issues could be harnessed from the country's growing interest in renewable energy systems (RES) for use in industry. Energy security, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and promotion of sustainable industrial growth could be achieved by tapping into the nation's abundant renewable resources, which include hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind power, among others. Potential benefits to the environment, grid reliability, and energy costs could accrue from the incorporation of RES. However, challenges like upfront costs, power grid integration issues, and the need for supportive legislation should be addressed. The use of RES could provide Zimbabwe with a future energy that is safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective. Owing to the dearth of studies considering RES integration across the different sectors in Zimbabwe, hence, this presents the status and energy policy evolutions, a concise strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) framework with outstanding challenges, and proposed solutions for sustainable energy development in Zimbabwe.