Report

Subsidy Swap: Reducing fossil fuel subsidies through energy efficiency and renewable energy in Zambia

This report examines the potential of subsidy reform to improve cost recovery in the electricity sector and promote clean energy and energy efficiency in Zambia.

By Richard Bridle, Mikko Halonen, Markus Klimscheffskij, Chenai Mukumba, Charity Siwabamundi on November 27, 2018

In Zambia’s electricity sector, demand has risen faster than supply.

In response to rising demand, several new power plants have been commissioned, including the 300 MW Maamba coal power plant and the 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi hydropower plant in 2016. Subsidies, particularly in the form of under-recovery of electricity sector revenues caused by below-cost pricing, have led to electricity sector deficits and threatened the financial sustainability of the sector.

Price increases in the electricity sector in 2017 of 75 per cent have reduced electricity sector subsidies, but costs remain higher than revenues. This report explores how subsidy reform could help to reduce the cost of subsidies and promote a transition to energy efficiency and clean energy. The report focuses on the mining sector, which is responsible for more than half of all electricity consumption, and the potential of solar PV. 

Report details

Topic
Subsidies
Energy
Region
Zambia
Focus area
Climate
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2018