Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
By Kundai Mudzviti
Staff Writer
CFI Holdings (CFI) has rolled out a solar systems installation program in its retail branches as the firm moves to cushion the adverse effects of power cuts as well as leaning towards cleaner sources of energy.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed agro-based holding company is also pursuing several initiatives to curb energy consumption including the use of energy-saving bulbs, the use of natural lighting instead of artificial lighting in certain areas of its operations and the use of capacitor banks for power factor correction.
Local businesses have been turning to alternative sources of energy due to long hours of load shedding which has affected their day-to-day operations.
In its 2023 annual report, CFI said starting in FY2024, the group will track the carbon footprint for all its business units.
Itai Pasi, CFI Holdings acting chairperson
“…our engineers are tasked with facilitating the group’s migration towards renewable energy as evidenced by the deployment of renewable energy to our retail division. The group offsets emissions through solar energy, thereby proving that a green economy is possible,” CFI said.
The firm added that it will report its full carbon footprint in FY2024, as it looks to train employees on identifying emission sources, activity data, emission factors and methodologies for calculating carbon footprints.
CFI said it uses different energy sources with ZESA being the main source of power and diesel-powered generators mostly used in cases of load shedding.
“The group has rolled out a programme to install solar systems for shops and offices, with 44 percent of shops already using the power source by year-end,” CFI said.
“In the medium to long-term, the group plans to invest in solar farms to sustain its manufacturing activities. On the other hand, LP gas is used mostly for cooking in branches while Agrifoods uses coal to operate its boilers and kitchens. Management is tasked with investing in more efficient sources.”
Solar energy expert William Ponela of Zonful Energy believes it is a good initiative for businesses to invest in solar energy although it can be problematic due to several chancers that have invaded the industry and brought in fake panels.
“The biggest challenge with solar energy is quality with a lot of counterfeit products coming through which might end up causing frustrations in people. Authorities need to ensure our quality testing capacity is strong with laboratories being set up and associations like the Standards Association of Zimbabwe being equipped with the right technology to test and standardise the panels,” he said.
Zimbabwe is facing acute energy shortages after experiencing a severe drought this year which according to the Zimbabwe River Authority has left water storage levels for hydro-power generation at just 15 percent currently at the Kariba South power station.
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