Integrating Energy into Real Estate and Spatial Planning in Urban Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article attempts to map and discuss innovative ways of integrating energy in real estate and spatial planning in Zimbabwe. This attempt is very essential for development planning in the country. Energy is the ‘lifeblood’ of a modern society and, without the reliable supply of energy, all other sectors of the economy come to a halt. For decades, Zimbabwe’s spatial planning, like most countries across Africa, has not effectively integrated energy production into the development process. The article engaged with extensive literature and document review in assessing the relationship between energy and planning in Harare. It emerged from the study that there continues to be a myriad of untapped opportunities through integrating energy into spatial planning and real estate. The realisation of the opportunities is impeded by the absence of policies and frameworks integrating energy issues into spatial planning and real estate. It is recommended that energy mapping tools, integrative energy planning and spatio-temporal modelling be used as innovative ways to enhance the integration of energy into spatial planning and real estate.