By KENNEDY MUPESENI –

THE Government will soon develop a tariff policy for the utilisation of renewable energy resources in the country, a Government energy expert has said.
Stakeholders in the energy sector have been calling on Government to come up with attractive and cost-reflective tariffs to attract investors.
Acting director of energy in the ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development Arnold Simwaba said Government would come up with a supportive policy and institutional framework to facilitate for the development of the energy sector.
“Government is in the process of developing the feed-in tariff policy in order to promote the utilisation of renewable energy resources to attract more investors in the renewable sector,” he said.
In a presentation at a one-day Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) – Private Sector meeting in Lusaka, Mr Simwaba  said the energy policy seeks to create a conducive atmosphere and would lead to increased power generation and transmission capacities.
Mr Simwaba said this would also increase electricity generation for local and regional markets as well as improve accessibility and service delivery of energy to households and the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in the country.
The policy also seeks to improve accessibility and service delivery of energy to agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, mining and other commercial activities to spur economic growth.
He said the Government was encouraging the production and supply of biofuels and manufacturing of renewable energy equipment.
Zambia has hydro potential that need to be developed and this can be achieved if conducive policies are put in place such as prioritising the energy sector with understanding that it is vital to economic development.