‘INVESTMENT IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY KEY’

By Noel  Iyombwa

KITWE’S Rokana Ward Councilor in Kitwe Macmillan Mbao has called for the urgent need for the country to diversify in the energy mix.

Mr. Mbao said there was a need to end the reliance on hydro-electric power as the primary source of electricity.

He stated that while solar and biogas were promising alternatives, the current approach to tackling the energy crisis lacked innovation and a forward-thinking mindset.

He stated that the issue of load shedding had become a pressing concern, with its roots extending deep into the effects of climate change and the unpredictability of rainfall patterns.

“The country is facing an energy crisis and the current approach to tackling the energy crisis lacks innovation.

“The issue of load shedding is now a pressing concern with its roots extending deep into the effect of climate change and the unpredictability of rainfall patterns,” he said.

Mr. Mbao further stressed the need for Zambians to shift their mindset towards embracing innovation and exploration.

The civic leader added that it was essential to move beyond the status quo and start investing in research and development to discover alternative sources of clean energy.

He said one potential avenue for innovation could be the development of a self-sustaining energy system that utilized natural processes, such as running a motor and alternator with a 100 percent efficient cooling system.

Zambia is currently experiencing load shedding of more than 10 hours every day due to the poor rain pattern that was experienced this season.