Government has intensified efforts to promote biogas technology in rural communities, with Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo urging households, schools and communities to embrace the clean energy solution as an alternative to firewood.
Moyo said the programme was designed to improve livelihoods while reducing pressure on the country’s forests.
“We want every homestead that qualifies to have a biogas digester so that people do not have to rely on firewood for cooking,” he told journalists after commissioning of the Tshitulipasi solar mini-grid and 25 biogas digesters in Beitbridge.
Moyo said households with at least eight cattle should work with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to access the technology.
“The cattle produce the waste that generates the gas, and that gas can be used for cooking every day,” he said.
He said schools also stood to benefit significantly from the programme.
“Our teachers should not spend their time looking for firewood,” the minister said.
“Their responsibility is to teach our children and improve educational outcomes. Biogas gives them that opportunity.”
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Moyo challenged government ministries and development partners to accelerate the rollout of the technology by building local capacity.
Moyo said Zimbabwe could emulate countries such as Tanzania, which have made notable progress in promoting clean cooking technologies.
“Tanzania has demonstrated that clean cooking technologies can transform communities. Zimbabwe can achieve the same if we invest more in renewable energy solutions,” he said.
Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South minister, Albert Nguluvhe, said communities should fully embrace the programme as it offered both environmental and economic benefits.
“We must protect our forests for future generations while embracing alternative sources of energy that improve the quality of life for our people,” Nguluvhe said.
The commissioning of the Tshitulipasi Solar Mini-Grid and biogas digesters is part of government’s drive to expand access to renewable energy and improve energy security in rural communities.
