CROSS-BORDER power trading in SADC is facilitated by the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), and the trading allows countries to buy and sell electricity through an existing network of transmission lines and relay substations.

THE SADC region is blessed with numerous renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, gas and wind, which if fully exploited and utilized could address the energy situation in the region.

ELECTRICITY IS a common challenge. Whether one is in Johannesburg or a suburb in Gaborone, Harare, Windhoek, or any other city in southern Africa, one thing is almost certain to happen – a power cut.

A comprehensive and consolidated agenda on how southern Africa could fully harness its renewable energy potential is expected to be finalised in July when energy ministers convene for their annual meeting.

Southern Africa plans to commission new projects that will add 2,763 megawatts to the regional grid this year as the region targets to meet its energy needs by 2018.

SADC HAS completed the process of selecting a Member State that will host the proposed regional centre for the promotion of renewable energies in southern Africa.

The adjudication and evaluation process for the four bidsto host the SADC Centre for Renewable and Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) received from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, took place in February 2015 at the SADC Secretariat.