Acting Minister of Science and Technology Mike Mposha says Technology Assessment (TA) provides comprehensive insights in making informed choices about the development and implementation of technologies in the use of clean and smart energy.
Mr. Mposha says in Zambia, the objective of the TA project is to build and strengthen capacities of Zambia’s Science, Technology and Innovation policy makers and various stakeholders, among them, academia and entrepreneurs.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science William Katongo during the launch of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – Zambia launch of the Report and Action Plan for Technology Assessment (TA) on Biogas as Alternative Energy Source using Science Technology and Innovation (STI) as catalysts, in Lusaka.
He said the project is crucial as it will contribute to advancing Biogas as an alternative energy source.
“Biogas, a cleaner energy alternative to charcoal, not only addresses the growing demand for sustainable energy but also plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility,” he added.
He also said Biogas is affordable and useful for the majority of Zambians who are poor.
And speaking at the same event UNCTAD Economic Affairs Officer Michael Lim said Biogas is very beneficial for sustainable development.
“With rapid technological change every country must be able to assess technology that is new to them. We selected three candidate countries, that is, Zambia, Seychelles and South Africa due to the development gap of not having done an actual assessment of the adopted technology which is a problem,” he added.
Mr. Lim pointed out that every country must be able to assess the technological impacts on its people, economy and environment.
He further stated that the TA has been a national local led development effort and UNCTAD is here to support the assessment.
“The project is aimed at the Agriculture and Energy sectors and we decided to use Biogas as the pilot for the assessment of the technology,” he added.
Coordinator for Global Ethics in Science and Technology Dr Miltos Ladikas said the TA helps economies and politicians to make better decisions as regards science and technology innovation.
“We have expanded our work beyond Germany and Europe to a global level and we are here to help apply our ideas to developing countries like Zambia. It has worked very well and we are very happy to welcome Zambia to the global TA community,” he added.
Meanwhile, Flavia Nyamazana of Kasupe area who has a Biogas digester at her farm, explained that Biogas is efficient and economical.
Ms. Nyamazana said she started using Biogas last year in September, after having it installed by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV).
“The Biogas digester was installed by SNV. It is about 48 cubic metres and is the largest in Zambia. I use the Biogas for electricity and the bio-slurry is used as organic fertilizer on the farm,” she said.
She disclosed that she is considering packaging the gas into cylinders for sale as well as considering drying the bio-slurry for easy application as organic fertiliser.
Ms. Nyamazana also said she uses the Biogas for her cooking needs and does not use charcoal anymore.
