United Nations Earth Summit+5 Success Stories - The Zimbabwe Photovoltaics for Household and Community Use

EARTH SUMMIT+5
Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise
the Implementation of Agenda 21
New York, 23-27 June 1997
SUCCESS STORIES FROM ZIMBABWE

The Zimbabwe Photovoltaics for Household and Community Use

Location Zimbabwe

Responsible organization Ministry of Transport and Energy, Department of Energy and UNDP.

Description The Zimbabwe Photovoltaics for Household and Community began its work in 1995 to supply rural people with basic electrical services, generated by affordable solar technology. This project is succeeding in the transfer of new, environmentally sound technology on a national basis, with a strong participation of the private sector.

Issues addressed The rural population in Zimbabwe is far removed from urban power supplies and lack access to an environmentally sound and affordable energy generating technology. Instead these rural residents use charcoal as a primary fuel source. Carbon dioxide is also emitted in large quantities from the use of kerosene and candles. This iniative is aimed at providing an alternative source of energy, on an environmentally sound basis, targeting particular rural areas.

Objectives Establishment of self-sustained avenues to fund and develop the use of photovoltaic systems in remote rural areas within the country.

Results achieved The 4000 installed systems have replaced the use of candles and kerosene thus reducing emissions of GHGs. The project has adapted well to the new technologies and designs as evidenced by the high quality of systems being installed. There has been a transfer of technology as most of the components are now being manufactured in the country.
It is possible to assess the global benefits of the project by calculating the amount of kerosene, charcoal and candles which would be used to produce an equivalent amount of energy as that produced by the system.

Lessons learned Lasting public awareness, education and support are fundamental for success of this kind of initiative. Through a targeted media action, as well as workshops and meetings at the grassroots level, conducted with district and provincial councils, local NGOs and community groups, awareness of solar power and its benefits has spread all over the country.

Financing Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded US$ 7 million grant.

Contact Acting Resident Representative of UNDP,
P.o.Box 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Fax: (263-4) 728695;
E-mail: fo.zwe@undp.org
Mr. Ademola Salau, Regional Coordinator for UNDP/GEF activities in Africa,
1 UN Plaza Room DC1-2384,
New York 10017 New York, USA
Tel. (212) 906 5911.

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Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997

	The Zimbabwe Photovoltaics for Household and Community Use
	Location	Zimbabwe
	Responsible organization	Ministry of Transport and Energy, Department of Energy and UNDP.
	Description	The Zimbabwe Photovoltaics for Household and Community began its work in 1995 to supply rural people with basic electrical services, generated by affordable solar technology. This project is succeeding in the transfer of new, environmentally sound technology on a national basis, with a strong participation of the private sector.
	Issues addressed	The rural population in Zimbabwe is far removed from urban power supplies and lack access to an environmentally sound and affordable energy generating technology. Instead these rural residents use charcoal as a primary fuel source. Carbon dioxide is also emitted in large quantities from the use of kerosene and candles. This iniative is aimed at providing an alternative source of energy, on an environmentally sound basis, targeting particular rural areas.
	Objectives	Establishment of self-sustained avenues to fund and develop the use of photovoltaic systems in remote rural areas within the country.
	Results achieved	The 4000 installed systems have replaced the use of candles and kerosene thus reducing emissions of GHGs. The project has adapted well to the new technologies and designs as evidenced by the high quality of systems being installed. There has been a transfer of technology as most of the components are now being manufactured in the country. It is possible to assess the global benefits of the project by calculating the amount of kerosene, charcoal and candles which would be used to produce an equivalent amount of energy as that produced by the system.
	Lessons learned	Lasting public awareness, education and support are fundamental for success of this kind of initiative. Through a targeted media action, as well as workshops and meetings at the grassroots level, conducted with district and provincial councils, local NGOs and community groups, awareness of solar power and its benefits has spread all over the country.
	Financing	Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded US$ 7 million grant.
	Contact	Acting Resident Representative of UNDP, P.o.Box 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe. Fax: (263-4) 728695; E-mail: fo.zwe@undp.org Mr. Ademola Salau, Regional Coordinator for UNDP/GEF activities in Africa, 1 UN Plaza Room DC1-2384, New York 10017 New York, USA Tel. (212) 906 5911.