Government Promoting the Use of Electric Vehicles to Reduce Expenditure on Fuel
The Zambian government is actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in public institutions as a key strategy to reduce significant fuel expenditure. Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, revealed that the government spent approximately 758 million United States dollars on fuel for public institutions last year, highlighting the urgent need for cost-saving measures. This initiative aims to lessen the country's reliance on imported fuel and is part of broader efforts to enhance energy security. The government is also making substantial progress in the energy sector through reforms, infrastructure development, and investments, with a target to increase electricity generation capacity from 3,000 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts by 2030, as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema. Key achievements include the commissioning of major hydropower and coal power plants, along with the launch of several solar energy projects like the Chisamba Solar Plant and Itimpi Solar Power Station. These projects are crucial for diversifying Zambia's energy mix and reducing its dependence on hydropower, thereby supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy landscape.
