*Since the date of this news item’s publication, the organization ‘The International REC Standard Foundation’ has changed to ‘The International Tracking Standard Foundation: Founder of I-REC (I-TRACK Foundation).’
The International REC Standard Foundation Board has approved Zimbabwe for I-REC (E) issuance with GCC (the Green Certificate Company) as the Issuer. Zimbabwe’s approval came after a country report was submitted detailing its current and future levels of electrification, possible existing certification schemes, and the focus on renewable energy policy. The report is available on the country page.
Issuer: GCC
The GCC certifies renewable energy generation around the world. The I-REC Standard often approves GCC as the default Issuer of I-REC(E) if no other suitable local Issuer can be identified. GCC will be released from its position as the default Issuer if a suitable local alternative is identified.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa with enormous renewable energy resources currently underutilized and offering significant business potential. The potential of the renewable energy market in Zimbabwe is high, considering the increasing number of organizations, institutions, and households expressing a willingness to go green as a mitigation measure against climate change.
The primary renewable energy sources are solar, hydro, wind, and biomass, which include bagasse (sugarcane-based), sawmill waste, biogas, and forestry waste. According to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, in 2022, the energy supply in Zimbabwe was a mix of hydropower (68.17%), coal, and renewable energy sources (31.83%).
Based on the NDC target of achieving a GHG emissions reduction of 40% per capita below the projected “Business as Usual” level, clean energy sources need to generate energy of around two thousand four hundred Giga Watthours (2,400 GWh) by the year 2025 and around four thousand, six hundred Giga Watthours (4,600 GWh) by the year 2030. These RE targets are backed by a strong policy framework, regulations, and institutional support to enforce them.
The I-REC Standard Foundation recognizes the efforts made by Zimbabwe’s commitments to developing and implementing plans to expand renewable energy sources and access. We are pleased to have Zimbabwe as an I-REC(E) issuing country.