Eng. Wesley Kaluba (The President – Engineering Institution of Zambia), Friday, 16 August 2024 — The recent Energy Indaba, hosted in June 2024 by the Energy Regulation Board, brought together critical minds to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: Zambia’s current energy crisis. I had the privilege and honour of speaking at that esteemed event as I ushered in the Engineers Forum for the conference. As we grapple with the effects of climate change and its profound impact on our energy sector, it’s clear that innovative solutions and collaborative efforts are essential to secure a sustainable future for our great nation.
The Climate Change Challenge
Zambia, like many countries worldwide, faces significant challenges due to climate change. Our heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation has left us vulnerable to changing weather patterns, resulting in widespread load shedding that affects both our economy and the quality of life for our citizens. This crisis touches every aspect of our society, from agriculture and water resources to health and socio-economic stability.
The effects of climate change on Zambia are far-reaching, permeating through various sectors crucial to the nation’s well-being. It’s not just an environmental issue; it’s a comprehensive challenge that requires an equally comprehensive response.
Driving Sustainable Solutions through Engineering
The role of engineering in addressing these challenges cannot be overstated. As professionals in this field, we are uniquely positioned to design and implement sustainable energy solutions that can help mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen our energy infrastructure.
The Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) recognizes the critical role we play in devising and implementing sustainable energy solutions. We’ve taken proactive steps to address the crisis, including:
- Forming a special energy committee to advise the government on practical and impactful strategies
- Mobilizing engineering professionals with expertise in solar systems and off-grid energy solutions
- Promoting continuous learning and adaptation among our members
- Fostering collaboration with other professional bodies, government agencies, and international partners
Our goal is to harness the collective expertise of our members to develop solutions that meet Zambia’s energy needs while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Diversifying Our Energy Mix
To reduce our reliance on hydropower and improve our energy security, we must invest in other renewable energy sources. Zambia has abundant solar energy potential, and harnessing this resource could significantly contribute to our energy mix. Wind and biomass energy also offer promising opportunities for diversification.
The EIZ is committed to working with stakeholders across the energy sector to explore and implement these alternatives. We believe that a diverse energy portfolio will not only increase our resilience to climate change but also create new opportunities for economic growth and development.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
As we confront the challenges posed by climate change, the EIZ is taking a leading role in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. This involves designing and constructing energy systems that can withstand the impacts of changing weather patterns and extreme events. Our aim is to create infrastructure that will stand the test of time, ensuring a reliable energy supply for generations to come.
Embracing Technological Advancements
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative opportunity for Zambia’s energy sector. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, offering solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve reliability.
We envision AI applications that can:
1. Forecast energy demand more accurately
2. Integrate renewable energy sources into the grid more effectively
3. Automate complex processes in energy production and distribution
The EIZ is dedicated to ensuring our members stay at the forefront of these technological advancements, ready to implement AI-driven solutions that benefit our nation.
Professional Development and Standards
The EIZ is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation among our members. We believe that through professional development, collaboration, and adherence to the highest standards of practice, we can contribute significantly to the sustainable development of Zambia’s energy sector.
Our institution is actively working to provide our members with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change and the energy crisis. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs focused on renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable design practices.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. Success will require determination, innovation, and collaboration across all sectors of society. The Engineering Institution of Zambia stands ready to contribute its expertise and resources to this national endeavour.
We call on all stakeholders – government agencies, private sector entities, academic institutions, and civil society organizations – to join us in this crucial effort. Together, we can develop and implement the sustainable energy solutions that Zambia needs to thrive in the face of climate change and energy insecurity.
The path forward may be challenging, but with our collective efforts and expertise, we can create a brighter, more sustainable energy future for all Zambians. Let us embrace this opportunity to lead the way in innovative energy solutions, not just for our nation, but as an example for the entire region.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices, we can overcome the current energy crisis and build a resilient, sustainable energy system for Zambia’s future. The time for action is now, and the engineering community is ready to lead the charge.
