Abstract
This paper investigates the potential for biomass and small hydro power in Zimbabwe to identify alternative and more sustainable power sources in Zimbabwe. It presents possible enabling framework that can guide decision making in new power development in the country. It informs policy makers, takers and implementers about the role renewable energy can take in complementing conventional power technologies in Zimbabwe. The methods uses are desk study, document reviews interview, data manipulation, assessment and analysis and identification of recommendations for hydro and biomass power in Zimbabwe. The findings show the following power potential levels: perennial rivers 50MW; sugar industry 210MW of power; wood industry waste combustion 150MW; urban solid waste 158.4MW, and biogas from 4 cities 316.8MW. Policy options and instruments to promote renewable power technologies are briefly discussed. Renewable Energy Technologies are found to be cost-competitive when compared to conventional energy sources and can assist to provide power security.