‘Safeguard standards in implementation of mega projects’

AS Zimbabwe implements several mega projects especially in energy generation, an international equipment manufacturer has advised that Government should put in place standards that regulate the quality of equipment to benchmark standards and guarantees against fake products.

The call by JA Solar comes as the developing world is slowly being turned into a dumping zone for substandard goods and equipment that sometimes put lives at risk while some fake equipment also affect the quality of infrastructure.

JA Solar is an original equipment manufacturer based in China, with 19 years in the industry and in the global top 5, tier 1 manufacturers.

The organisation invests heavily in research, development and innovation to deliver tier one equipment that is critical especially in sustainable energy projects.
Miss Evelyn Gondo, JA Solar’s Sadc sales manager for English speaking countries in charge of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, said tier 1 is a category given to companies based on five metrics, that is, research and development, bankability, reliability, dependability and higher efficiency.

The organisation recently unveiled anti-dust type modules, has credibility from international utility scale funders, banks, climate fund managers and investors, and has the ability of equipment to generate under extreme conditions, as well as being fireproof, as well as having products that give the required renewable energy products.

It has low degradation, higher efficiencies, low irradiance generation. Miss Gondo said some equipment does not last the lifetime of the projects because they are substandard.

“Some of the key takeaways include importance of timelines as we need to make progress and ensure projects are implemented and access to funds and energy is increased,” she said. “My advice is keep your own mandate as Government to put in place standards for equipment.

“We have seen proliferation of manufacturers of fake equipment coming. That can undo all the progress made. If there is are no standards and regulations in place a lot of people can be left exposed to equipment that can blow up their houses and equipment that will fail and all projects discussed will not work.” Miss Gondo was speaking recently after attending the Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Summit in Victoria Falls.

She said she was impressed by the progressive engagements by stakeholders in the energy sector, especially signing of agreements, which then should be supported by sustainable implementation through reliable equipment.

She said JA Solar helps countries in discussing solutions to quickly fast-track the green agenda, combat climate change and improve energy access to everyone including those in remote areas.

“This unlocks opportunities like education and health to eradicate poverty. Pushing green climate funds will go a long way in unlocking energy opportunities in Zimbabwe and Zambia and ensure projects are done in the cost effective way,” said Miss Gondo.

“Our mandate as JA Solar is to ensure that original bankable tier one equipment is available for expanding the green energy agenda in the Sadc region and Africa as a whole.

“We assist in the relevant time zones as we act as a Chinese liaison to ensure that people get good quality services and work with Independent Power Producers and developers in ensuring that they create bankable projects and ensuring that they get funded by fund and investment bankers like World Bank, International Monitory Fund, African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation.”—chroncile