THE future of waste-to-energy in Zimbabwe will be shaped by several factors, including technological advancements, policy frameworks and investment in infrastructure, the United Nations Development (UNDP) has said.
UNDP stressed that research and development is essential to enhance the efficiency and affordability of waste-to-energy technologies.
Speaking in Kariba yesterday, during the Waste to Energy Conference organised by Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) — publishers of three newspapers namely NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard and an online telecast station HStv — UNDP country office programme analyst in the department of nature-climate energy unit, Millie Macleod, said supportive policies and incentives would play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of these technologies.
“As urban populations grow and waste generation increases, cities are seeking innovative solutions to manage waste and reduce their environmental footprint.
“Waste-to-energy technologies are at the forefront of this shift, offering a viable solution for managing municipal solid waste while generating renewable energy.
“The future of waste-to-energy in Zimbabwe and beyond will be shaped by several factors, including technological advancement, policy frameworks and investment in infrastructure.”
Macleod said the Waste to Energy Conference was a testament to the commitment of experts, professionals and policymakers to finding innovative solutions to waste management challenges.
She said by embracing circularity, supporting global initiatives like the plastics treaty and investing in sustainable technologies, Zimbabwe could turn the challenges of waste into opportunities for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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“Waste-to-energy technologies align perfectly with circular economy principles. By converting waste into energy, we are not only managing waste more effectively, but also creating a sustainable source of energy.
“This approach reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, decreases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promotes the efficient use of resources,” she said.
Macleod said last year, UNDP, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UN Environment Programme launched a tripartite initiative called “Building Circularity into Nationally Determined Contributions: A Practical Toolbox”.
She said the toolbox was aimed at supporting countries in identifying, prioritising, implementing and evaluating circular economy interventions for increased ambition and implementation of their NDCs.
“Our initial piloting prioritised agriculture and ceramics for GHG abatement, but sectors like electricity, gas and water also have significant GHG footprints.
“Proposed circular economy solutions include closing the loop on organic residues to minimise environmental impact and implementing biogas digesters as a waste-to-energy initiative,” she said
Incorporating circularity into climate interventions, Macleod said, also meant addressing the entire life cycle of materials.
“For example, the current negotiations on the global plastics treaty are crucial in this regard. The treaty aims to address the growing problem of plastic pollution by setting international standards for plastic production, use and disposal,” she said.
