Published by the government of Zimbabwe
28 August 2008
Harare — The Rural Electrification Agency has started installing solar mini-grid systems in remote parts of the country as part of efforts to supplement the national grid, which is being overwhelmed by demand.
REA alternative energy manager Douglas Chitsenga told New Ziana at the Harare Agricultural Show that the solar energy harnessing system had already been set up at about 100 institutions around the country.
"We have more than 100 institutions using the system in the country at places such as Bungwe clinic and secondary school in Rushinga, Kanyemba in Manicaland and Dindi in Uzumba-Marambapfungwe," he said.
The mini-grid produces one and a half Kilowatts.
Chitsenga said when fully charged, the solar system, one of the biggest in the country, could supply a school with power for three days while clinics could go for up to five days.
"Companies can also use the system as a standby supply of power," he said, adding institutions could design the system to suit specific requirements of power.
The on-going programme would prioritise clinics furthest away from electricity grids, schools with Advanced Level and those offering computer lessons.
Many schools including those in remote parts where there is no electricity have benefited from Presidential computerisation programme.
He said the system was the future and its lack of harmful emissions made it an important technology particularly in the fight against the greenhouse effect.
Chitsenga said there was need for more research and further development of the technology as it could be a critical alternative for energy.
He however said the grid systems were still important adding that the power structures had to co-exist.
Chitsenga called on locals in areas where installation had been done to embrace the technology and desist from acts of vandalism. Japan and Germany are amongst the countries that have successfully adopted the technology and with systems capable of running huge industries.
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