"BIO-GAS; A CLEANER ENERGY ALTERNATIVE TO CHARCOAL"

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Technology and Science Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu has said that energy sector need to be given top priority by the Zambian stakeholders, leading to its primary focus on Bio-gas in the Technology Assessment exercise.  This was in a speech read on his behalf by the Acting Permanent Mr. William H. Katongo at the National Stakeholders' workshop that was co-hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Ministry of Technology  and Science (MoTS) at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.

In his speech the Permanent Secretary assured the participants and stakeholders that the Zambian Government is eagerly anticipating the results of the TA Project adding that the project is crucial as it will contribute to advancing bio-gas as an alternative energy source.

He further stated that Biogas is a cleaner energy alternative to Charcoal, and not only does it help the growing demand  for sustainable energy but also plays a crucial role in reducing  harmful emissions, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility.

And the Economic affairs officer for UNCTAD Michael LIM says  TA is important for Zambia because it will enable citizens gain knowledge on which technology is good for them and its benefits thereof.

He says "bio-gas is a pilot to build capacity for Zambia in the private and public sector and therefore Zambians should have the capacity to determine which technology is good for the country and learn how government can harness the technology for positive use."

The Acting Permanent Secretary was accompanied by his Assistant Director - Science and Technology, Mr. John Chongo who is also the focal point for the TA Project.

The Ministry of Technology and Science says the Technology  Assessment Project will build and strengthen capabilities of Zambia's Science, Technology and Innovation policy makers academia, researchers and other relevant stakeholders that support the learning, diffuse and adoption of technologies in the energy and agriculture sectors.

The workshop drew participants from other government line ministries,  regulators, civil society , biogas promoters and users, Academia, Scientific research institutions drawn from all provinces of the Country.