China Africa Sunlight Energy (Pty) Ltd. had hoped to get more involved in Africa’s race for alternative/renewable energy, but its plans were placed on hold after failing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) test.
The company planned to commercially exploit methane gas in Zimbabwe, exploring coal and coal-bed methane in the country to establish a power plant. A sector within Zimbabwe’s Environment Ministry, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) declined the company’s ambitions within the country saying that it would not approve any projects that might harm the ecosystem. EMA spokesperson Steady Kangaka told The Financial Gazette: "The development we want is a sustainable one which will remain long after we have departed from this planet. It must be economically, socially and environmentally friendly. If one of those parameters is missing then as EMA we cannot give a go ahead.”
The agency, formerly the Department of Natural Resources, said that the company wanted to mine near a conservancy area which would interrupt the “water supply and wildlife.”
Zimbabwe has been dealing with its inability to generate enough electricity to meet local demand while also facing problems with payments from imported energy. It was announced in mid-April that mining companies would help pay some of the country’s energy debts (Zimbabwe Power Depths Paid by Mining Companies). It should be noted that Zimbabwe made it easier for Chinese firms to become more involved in the country with president Robert Mugabe’s “Look East” policy. However, it is a positive sign to see that despite the favoritism, companies are being forced to adhere to public policy – well, at least for one firm.
Suggested Reading
Zimbabwe Continues Supplying to Namibia Despite Own Power Inefficiencies, June 5, 2012
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