Energy solution of Zambia from micro hybric biomass - Solar photovoltaic power plants

Abstract

The need to provide safe, clean, affordable and renewable energy is of great importance worldwide. The same applies to poor households in Zambia where about 80% of its population depend on wood fuel in form of firewood and charcoal for cooking whilst candles and kerosene for lighting. Wood fuel is associated with the use of inefficient stoves which increase poverty, health and environmental impacts. With availability of abundant biomass and about 250 sunshine hours a month with Potential Energy Output of 5.5kWh/m2/day in Zambia, micro hybrid biomass — solar photovoltaic power plants are thought of to be the energy solution of Zambia. This solution will not only be an important part of household cooking and lighting, but also an important aspect of development of rural renewable energy and sustainable development in Zambia. This micro hybrid power plant will enable to generate electricity for lighting, refrigeration, entertainment and biogas for heating and cooking and generate significant socio-economic benefits. These are essentials in one's life because it will help to reduce on time spent collecting firewood, costs on purchasing charcoal and fossil fuel and poor people's living standards will be improved because they will have more time in farm productivity and children will have time for school. This paper also seeks to review the current energy situation in Zambia and what needs to be done in order to win people's confidence to welcome renewable energy solutions such as Micro Hybrid Biomass — Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants.