Rutendo Nyeve
THE National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has reaffirmed its commitment toward Zimbabwe’s energy revolution, having capacitated over 800 Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) technicians with specialised expertise in electrification, solar installations and energy management.
This contribution to the country’s human capital development was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, at the 9th SOLTRAIN Conference, which is running concurrently with the 2026 SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls on Monday.
Speaking to delegates, including the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Yeukai Simbanegavi and the Austrian Ambassador to South Africa, Her Excellency Romana Königsbrun, Prof Dlodlo highlighted NUST’s extensive footprint in the renewable energy sector.
“As a leader in STEM-oriented human capital development, NUST is enhancing skills for students and professionals while strengthening community engagement. We have capacitated over 800 Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) technicians nationwide with expertise in electrification, solar installations and energy management,” said Prof Dlodlo.
He emphasised that these efforts align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which identifies renewable energy as a cornerstone of industrialisation and economic growth.
Beyond technician training, Prof Dlodlo outlined several pioneering initiatives undertaken by the university.
Since 2013, NUST has been a partner in the Solar Thermal Heating and Cooling Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN), working to advance solar thermal technologies across the SADC region.
The university is also advancing research on electronic waste management and digitalised energy education in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency, with support from the Internet Society Foundation.
Furthermore, Prof Dlodlo revealed that NUST is preparing to establish a 5 MW Solar PV Farm at its Bulawayo campus.
He extended an invitation to independent power producers to partner with the university to realise this vision.
Prof Dlodlo stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that projects such as Net Zero Building design and energy efficiency are being embedded across faculties, including the Built Environment, Applied Sciences and Engineering.
“As a catalyst in the energy transition, NUST embraces these priorities wholeheartedly, confident that regional and global collaboration will accelerate our shared progress toward affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all,” he said.
Source: The Herald Online
www.heraldonline.co.zw/nust-trains-over-800-zesa-technicians-in-renewable-energy-drive/