By ROGERS KALERO
THE Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) is accelerating its transition into green energy by making significant investments in solar energy generation and has also embarked on a tree-planting programme with a target of planting 1 million by 2025.
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CEC Managing Director Owen Silavwe said the company which begun its renewable energy generation investments in 2018 is currently developing a 60 megawatts (MW) solar power plant to support the country’s goal of achieving a sustainable energy mix and bridging the energy demand gap. Speaking on the sidelines of the COP 28 World Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mr Silavwe emphasised the importance of upholding commitments to the Paris Agreement.
Mr Silavwe said the Paris Agreement sets the goal of keeping the anticipated global average temperature increase well below 2°C, above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, to significantly reduce the risks and impacts associated with climate change.
“CEC is accelerating its transition to green energy by making significant investments in solar energy generation. CEC has begun a tree planting program where we have so far planted over 300,000 trees, with a target of achieving 1 million by 2025. These trees are being planted in water catchment areas to safeguard biodiversity
“In view of the call for the transition to green energy, the CEC is actively engaging with individuals and institutions at this year’s climate summit for learning and exchanges that will support this ambition and connecting with technology and green finance providers to support the ongoing development of sustainable energy solutions.”Mr Silavwe said
Mr Silavwe said the drive towards green energy generation was not something looking to be attained for CEC alone, but for Zambia as a whole.
Last month during the 11th Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition (ZIMEC) during a case study presentation entitled “Smart Strategic Partnerships to Deliver Clean Energy to Mines, CEC Senior Manager for Renewables, Reuben Munungwe said CEC was aiming at generating approximately 230 Mega Watts of Solar Energy by 2027
Mr Munungwe said the Energy Generation Company will always demonstrate keen commitment to the clean green energy transition through its investments in renewable energy, which commenced in 2018 with a pilot 1MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant.
Mr Munungwe said the Power generating company commissioned the expanded 34 MW solar power plant early this year and was in the process of constructing an additional 60 MW solar PV plant in order to meet the ever increasing demand for power
“In its effort to meet the growing demands of power and ensuring commitment to the clean green energy transition through its investments in renewable energy, the CEC is aiming at generating approximately 230MW of solar energy by 2027.
“CEC has demonstrated keen commitment to the clean green energy transition through its investments in renewable energy, which commenced in 2018 with a pilot 1MW Solar photovoltaic (PV) plant,’’ Mr Munungwe said
Mr. Munungwe identified adequate financial resources, a supportive business environment, and requisite competencies of the project team, as critical success factors for the solar expansion projects.
He also revealed that CEC’s carbon offset for the Riverside Solar Project is currently at 22.6MT per annum, while for the Itimpi project it is anticipated to be at 55MT per annum.
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