US Committed To Supporting Zimbabwe’s Energy Transition

Post Reporter

MATOBO-The United States government is committed to helping Zimbabwe transition towards clean and sustainable energy solutions, ensuring the country has access to adequate energy while minimizing damage to the climate, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said.

Speaking in an interview after concluding her recent tour of the Matabeleland region, Tremont emphasized that climate change is a global issue, worsening drought conditions in Zimbabwe and affecting the livelihoods of many.

She noted that the US has been running projects in Matabeleland for several years, focused on climate adaptation, teaching farmers drought-resistant agricultural techniques, and helping them find ways to commercialize their crops.

“The drought situation here is dire and tragic. Climate change is affecting everyone, and as part of President Biden’s Africa strategy, we are committed to supporting a just energy transition.

“ This involves bringing more clean energy to Zimbabwe, which is urgently needed, while reducing the negative impact on the climate,” Tremont said.

She highlighted the importance of US-supported programs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, expressing pride in ongoing efforts and a commitment to expanding them in the future.

“We are proud of the programs we have implemented and are hopeful that we can provide additional support to alleviate the drought, complementing what we are already doing in the region.

“We are also looking at more resilient programs in the coming years, especially in conservation, to ensure that Zimbabwe’s magnificent national parks are economically viable and can attract more tourism,” she said.

Since January 2021, the US government has invested, and plans to provide, at least $1.1 billion to support African-led efforts in conservation, climate adaptation, and a just energy transition. These investments include infrastructure projects under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), designed to help developing nations shift away from fossil fuels while ensuring access to cleaner and more affordable energy sources.

Developing countries face challenges in transitioning to clean energy, including higher electricity costs and difficulties in accessing clean energy projects.

 Due to climate change, it is essential to break the cycle of fossil fuel dependency, particularly for countries like Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean government has also been actively working to increase renewable power output to meet the country’s energy needs, aligning with global efforts to phase out coal and other fossil fuels. In line with its 2019 renewable energy policy, Zimbabwe aims to install 1,100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025 and 2,100 megawatts by 2030, with solar, wind, hydro, and innovative solutions playing key roles.

These efforts are seen as critical steps toward achieving a sustainable energy future and combating the effects of climate change in Zimbabwe.