Beyond hydropower: Just and equitable policy pathways for a climate-resilient renewable energy mix in Zambia

Title : Beyond hydropower: Just and equitable policy pathways for a climate-resilient renewable energy mix in Zambia

Abstract:

Zambia’s electricity system presents an important energy-transition paradox: although its power sector is predominantly renewable, its heavy dependence on hydropower has created significant vulnerability to drought and climate variability. Recurring power shortages, limited rural electrification and persistent affordability challenges demonstrate that a renewable energy system is not necessarily resilient or equitable. The central question is therefore not simply how Zambia can produce more renewable electricity, but how it can diversify its energy mix while ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are shared fairly.

Drawing on ongoing doctoral research, this presentation examines just and equitable policy pathways for developing a diversified and climate-resilient renewable energy mix in Zambia. The study integrates energy justice, energy transition and multi-objective optimisation perspectives to assess the relationships among policy design, stakeholder participation, financing mechanisms, energy access and institutional capacity.

The research uses a convergent mixed-methods approach involving systematic review of energy policies and regulatory instruments, analysis of national household energy-access data, and key-informant interviews with representatives from government, the private sector, civil society and affected communities. Zambia’s energy policies are assessed through the three dimensions of energy justice: distributional justice, procedural justice and recognition justice. Attention is also given to policy coherence with Zambia’s national development priorities, Nationally Determined Contribution, Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement.

The presentation argues that renewable energy diversification must extend beyond technical choices among hydropower, solar, wind and other energy sources. It must also address who participates in decision-making, who can access and afford modern energy, who benefits from energy investments, and whose needs remain overlooked. The study seeks to develop practical policy options that balance reliability, affordability, environmental sustainability and social equity.

Zambia’s experience offers valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to build climate-resilient energy systems while expanding access and protecting vulnerable populations. A genuinely sustainable energy future must not only be renewable; it must also be reliable, inclusive and just.

Keywords: Energy justice; renewable energy diversification; climate resilience; hydropower dependence; energy access; sustainable development; Zambia.

Biography:

Chawezi Longwe is a Zambian environmental engineer, university lecturer, and researcher with more than 8 years of experience in higher education, environmental management, public health, and sustainability. She is a Registered Engineer with the Engineering Institution of Zambia and currently lectures in the Environmental Health Department at Eden University, where she also supervises undergraduate research.

She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Public Health from the Copperbelt University, with specialisation in water supply, sanitation and health policy. She also holds a Technical Teachers’ Diploma and serves as a trainer and examiner under Zambia’s Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority.

Chawezi is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering at the University of Zambia as a FACE-NDC Scholar. Her doctoral research examines just and equitable policy pathways for optimising Zambia’s renewable energy mix, with emphasis on energy justice, climate resilience, affordability and inclusive access. Her broader interests include climate change policy, sustainable development, environmental compliance and climate-resilient infrastructure.