The Ministry of National Development and planning says energy is key resource that is a necessity for the operation and growth of pivotal sectors such as mining, transport and agriculture.
Speaking at the policy consultative seminar re-visiting biofuels development in Zambia National Development and planning Minister Alexander Chiteme says government has in the seventh national development plan set an ambitious outcome of improving energy production and distribution for sustainable development.
Mr Chiteme says the target set in the plan requires government to increase proportion of renewable energy mix to 5 percent of the plan baseline that was below 1.2 percent.
He says Energy demand has been increasing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Mr Chiteme says it is against the backdrop that the 7NDP goals focus is to grow and diversify the energy sector to enhance its contribution to economic diversification.
He says if Zambia is to attain increased access to clean safe reliable and affordable energy there is need to place well researched policy interventions.
And speaking at the same event minister of energy Mathew Nkuwa says biofuels value chain can significantly contribute to economic growth and create employment especially in rural communities where most of feedstocks would be produced.
Mr Nkuwa says biofuels have low emissions compared to fossil fuels and this contributes in the efforts of emission reduction which helps in mitigating climate charge.