Environmentalist, Godfrey Phiri, has called for the mandatory conduct of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) before the implementation of any solar energy projects in the country.
According to a recent report, the global transition to renewable energy has led to rapid growth in large-scale solar farms. While solar power provides a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, the installation of extensive solar arrays can have unintended effects on local ecosystems and the climate.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Phiri said that, like other mitigation projects, solar energy has both advantages and disadvantages but remains a viable option for sustainable development.
“The few disadvantages associated with solar energy are not an excuse to stop exploring cleaner energy sources,” Mr. Phiri said.
He explained that environmental and social impact assessments are designed to identify potential impacts of projects and to guide the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures aimed at protecting both the environment and communities.
Mr. Phiri further emphasized the need for strict compliance monitoring to ensure that all solar projects are strategically sited and implemented in a manner that minimizes environmental and social impacts.
By Lizzie Nyambe
