It has long been the vision of Sunbird Bioenergy that Zambia has sufficient natural resources to produce sufficient renewable fuels and power to become energy independent. Zambia could even become an exporter of renewable fuels and power to neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.
We therefore welcome our inclusion and participation in the inaugural Energy Technical Working Group that is enabling constructive dialogue between Government ministries, country stakeholders and private project developers such as ourselves.
Bioenergy Working Group - Biofuels
It was reassuring to learn, that after recent consultations, the Government fully understands the strategic imperative of developing a bioenergy industry in Zambia, and the benefits it can yield in terms of job creation, import substitution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Furthermore, the Government understands and is committed to resolving the barriers that are holding back development of the industry:
Bioenergy Pricing Formula and Tariffs: bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethanol, RNG, BioCNG, BioLNG, BioEl etc.
Connecting various Government departments and institutions such as the Ministry of Energy, Energy Regulation Board, Zambia Development Agency and Zambia Revenue Authority.
Developing industry specific bioenergy incentives to attract additional investment.
Bioenergy Working Group - Alternative to Charcoal (A2C)
Representatives from the USAID Alternative to Charcoal ("A2C") project and the Ministry of Energy (MoE) discussed potential collaboration and support for the Energy Technical Working Group ("TWG"). The USAID A2C project team committed to discussing potential support for the Energy TWG.
Charcoal is the main cooking fuel used by households in Zambia, and is responsible for a multitude of health problems as well as the main cause of deforestation. The A2C project aims to replace 25% of charcoal cookstoves with with clean cooking technologies such as ethanol and solar-electric cookstoves.
The Public Private Dialogue Forum, initiated by by the President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, is quickly resolving long-standing issues that will accelerate the development of the bioenergy industry in Zambia.
Zambia has the potential to become a green-powerhouse-economy! Unlocking Zambia's vast bioenergy resources will deliver substantial economic growth as well has reduce deforestation and help decarbonise the transport and mining sectors - Richard Bennett.
The Public Private Dialogue Forum ("PPDF") was launched 27 April 2022 by the President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka, Zambia. The forum provides a structured, participatory and inclusive platform for public- private sector engagement on policy matters with a focus on leveraging partnerships and synergies to accelerate socio-economic development in Zambia. The PPDF aims to harness trade and investment opportunities for our private sector on the local, regional, continental and international markets, while promoting value chains and value addition for various commodities and products to create jobs and wealth for Zambians.