WE are pleased with President Edgar Lungu’s reaffirmation that the Government will find alternative sources of energy to ensure continuity in production.
The commitment brings a sigh of relief as it is a clear indication that the Government is working on modalities to explore other sources of energy.
The political will shown by Mr Lungu towards finding alternative sources of energy will not only stimulate economic growth but also promote a clean environment.
This is because alternative energy sources are renewable, free and clean to the environment.
Renewable energy which includes biomass energy, wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy sources.
We are happy that the promotion of renewable energy will not only address the power deficit but also create many opportunities like new jobs and promote economic development, especially in areas that are far from the urban areas.
If used to diversify utility energy sources, alternative energy technologies can provide a hedge against rising fuel prices and be valuable risk management tools.
Selected applications of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies can enhance the disaster resilience of communities and individual structures.
Solar electric systems can provide needed power to hospitals, fire stations, police departments and gas stations.
Saint Pauls’ Mission Hospital in Nchelenge, Luapula Province, is an example of an institution  that uses renewable energy for its operations.
The institution saves about  US$10, 000 annually on electricity bills because of using  solar energy to power various equipment,  through the use of biogas  which, is generated from medical waste.
The waste that remains after the biogas is used to produce   manure at the banana plantation owned  by the hospital, thus   creating  jobs and wealth.
Today, engineers in Maamba are working round the clock to ensure that we get 150 megawatts by January next year, by mid-year the country will  be getting 300 megawatts from that facility alone.
It is encouraging that the Government is in a fast-forward mode to reverse the power deficit  so that it can start exporting power next year.
Furthermore, it is comforting to hear President Lungu assure the nation that his Government is not only waiting for God to give us rain but working hard to ensure that the power deficit is addressed.