Zambia’s Ministry of Energy has set a good example to encourage state institutions and private developers as it officially commissions a 121.8 kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system with 125 kilowatt-hour battery storage at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Lusaka.
The project marks a major step forward in the government’s drive to promote clean and reliable energy solutions across public institutions.
Commissioning the project, Energy Minister Mr. Makozo Chikote said the installation is a direct response to the Presidential Solar Initiative, which was rolled out following the 2024 drought.
The drought, declared a national disaster and emergency by President Hakainde Hichilema on March 1, 2024, prompted urgent action to enhance energy resilience in the country.
In line with this, Cabinet Office Circular No. 13 of 2024 directed all government institutions to install rooftop solar systems to reduce reliance on hydropower and improve energy sustainability.
“I stand proud today as Minister of Energy to commission this rooftop solar PV system—a clear demonstration of our Ministry’s commitment to lead by example,” Mr. Chikote stated. The K6.8 million project was successfully delivered using Zambian technical expertise, a point the Minister emphasized as proof that local professionals are capable of providing innovative, homegrown energy solutions.
“This system shows that Zambians have the skills and capacity to build a sustainable energy future. It’s not just a technical installation—it’s a statement of national competence,” he said.
Hon. Makozo Chikote, Minister for Energy, Zambia.
The rooftop solar system now provides uninterrupted power to the Ministry’s offices 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is equipped with net-metering capabilities, allowing the Ministry to export excess electricity to the national grid.
Effectively, ZESCO now functions as a backup power source, while solar has become the primary supply.
Before this transition, the Ministry relied on a diesel generator, spending up to K68,000 per month on fuel. The switch to solar is not only environmentally sustainable but also financially prudent, significantly cutting operational costs.
The Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Engineer Arnold Simwaba, who also spoke at the event, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the Presidential directive. He said the Ministry of Energy, as the lead agency in the sector, was duty-bound to implement and showcase renewable energy solutions.
“We are not just policymakers—we are implementers. This installation is living proof of our resolve to walk the talk and lead the clean energy transition,” said Eng. Simwaba.
Minister Chikote further called on all public institutions that have not yet installed rooftop solar systems to engage the Ministry of Energy for technical guidance, load assessments, and implementation support.
“This system is a model for replication. We are facilitating similar projects across the country and urge other ministries and government agencies to act swiftly,” he said. He added that adopting renewable energy is no longer optional, given the increasing frequency of climate shocks affecting hydropower generation.
He urged all Zambians to embrace distributed energy generation as a key step toward national energy security.
The commissioning underscores the government’s broader commitment to decentralizing energy production, enhancing efficiency in public service delivery, and reducing dependence on hydropower.
Mr. Chikote reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to actualizing President Hichilema’s vision of a resilient, energy-sufficient Zambia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The UK Government and Japan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
for cooperation on fusion energy – as companies in the two countries announce new collaborations.
The memorandum of cooperation was signed by UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy and Japan’s Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology Minister Hiroshi Masuko and aims to “further collaboration in key fusion areas including research and development, regulation and skills and workforce”.
McCarthy, said: “The UK is optimally positioned for global fusion investment. Global partnerships such as this one will advance technological developments and help unlock limitless clean fusion power, bringing a fusion energy future closer to a reality.”
Separately there has been a memorandum of understanding signed between the UK’s Fusion Cluster and the Japan Fusion Energy Council “to foster industrial collaboration, knowledge exchange, and workforce development”, and Kyoto Fusioneering has relocated its UK headquarters to UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Culham Campus near Oxford.
The collaboration between the Fusion Cluster and the Japan Fusion Energy Council will see them working together to “promote mutual understanding and strategic collaboration in fusion energy development; facilitate cooperation between Japanese and UK industries; and contribute to the development of a global-scale fusion energy ecosystem”.
Meanwhile Tokamak Energy, which is based close to Culham, has announced that it has agreed with Japan’s Furukawa Electric Group to establish a joint operational base in Japan for manufacturing high temperature superconducting magnet (HTS) technology.
This is the method being used to create the strong magnetic fields needed to confine and control hydrogen fuel, which becomes a plasma several times hotter than the Sun, inside a tokamak.
The two companies say they will also explore uses of the technology in a range of other industries, including in medicine and for propulsion under water and in space.
Warrick Matthews, Tokamak Energy CEO, said: “Our magnet technology is an essential part of turning the promise of limitless clean fusion energy into commercial reality. This new venture with Furukawa Electric Group will ramp up our manufacturing capabilities and open a new era of superconducting performance in a range of sectors, from powering data centres to revolutionising electric zero emission motors.”
Hideya Moridaira, President, Furukawa Electric Group, said: “We are truly honoured to take this important step forward with Tokamak Energy, deepening our collaboration and initiating efforts toward manufacturing HTS magnet technology for fusion energy in Japan by combining our HTS technology with Tokamak Energy’s innovative fusion technology, we are confident we can contribute meaningfully to the next generation of energy solutions.”
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition – Mr John Abdulai Jinapor – is pushing for the West African nation to make it mandatory for all ministries to introduce the use of electric vehicles into their transport pool.
According to him, a memo will soon be submitted to cabinet for a decision to be taken to ensure that electric vehicles are introduced by all government institutions to reduce vehicles that use fossil fuel in Ghana.
He disclosed this when he delivered a keynote address at the launch of the Energy Commission’s Solar-powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
“My Ministry of Energy is also submitting a memo to cabinet where all ministries will be provided with EV vehicles so that all ministers will drive EV vehicles within Ghana, and we intend to extend that to other government agencies so that, in Accra, we use EV as a catalyst to encourage the public to adopt the use of EV vehicles,” he stated.
Mr Jinapor, who is also the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, noted that the transition to EV vehicles is environmental decision, as well as economic one, arguing that EV buses and vehicles have lower operational cost compared to fossil fuel.
In this respect, he said, they would work with state-owned GOIL and the private sector to build EV charging stations across all urban corridors in its fuel leading filling stations to encourage the patronage of EV vehicles.
He revealed that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition was working with the Ministry of Environment and other allied agencies to ensure a smooth assimilation of the EV vehicles project to protect the environment from further destruction.
He also urged all stakeholders in the energy, environment and transportation value chain to embrace this laudable initiative to help Ghana move swiftly from over reliance on fossil fuel energy which has proven to be environmentally unsustainable to a cleaner and more cost effective way of protecting our environment.
“Let us work together to scale up this infrastructure, incentivise adoption and imbibe sustainability at the heart of transport and energy system and government will provide all the incentives to the private sector.
“Government alone cannot do this. The private sector should take advantage of this transition drive and invest in this sector, backed by regulatory and policy directives to excel,” he tasked them.
“Together, let us power Ghana through a clean future-efficient and sustainable manner,” Mr Jinapor further stressed.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Halliburton, a US-based oil and gas services provider, has won a contract for GeoFrame Energy’s geothermal and direct lithium extraction (DLE) project.
Through this collaboration, Halliburton will plan and design the first demonstration phase wells in the Smackover Formation in East Texas, with work expected to begin in late 2025.
According to GeoFrame Energy, “Halliburton’s 100-year legacy of well expertise and execution, combined with innovation to support new energy projects and decades of experience in the Smackover Formation, makes them the best candidate to support our project, capitalizing on the current demand for lithium through brine extraction.’’
According to Duane Sherritt, Vice President of Low Carbon Solutions at Halliburton, “The company’s 100-year legacy of well expertise and execution, combined with innovation to support new energy projects and decades of experience in the Smackover Formation, makes us the best candidate to help support GeoFrame Energy’s vision.”
Bruce Cutright, CEO of GeoFrame Energy, said, “Halliburton, as a critical member of our team, will support the drilling phase of our project through the construction, design, and operation of the demonstration wells and the expansion into full field development.”
Cutright noted that GeoFrame Energy’s project is more than just a lithium production facility — it’s a model for responsible mining. The company plans to use geothermal brine to generate renewable electricity through zero-emission binary cycle generators, powering its direct lithium extraction and lithium carbonate production plant with renewable energy, and selling excess geothermal power to the grid.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Iran’s foreign minister has admitted that “excessive and serious” damage was done to the country’s nuclear sites in the recent US and Israeli bombings.
Abbas Araghchi told a state broadcaster on Thursday evening that an assessment of the damage is being carried out by the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran.
But, just hours earlier, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the strikes did not disrupt the country’s nuclear programme. Khamenei was responding to US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the bombs had “totally obliterated” three nuclear sites.
Khamenei said the US attacks had failed to “accomplish anything significant”.
The supreme leader, who has been in hiding since the war with Israel began on 13 June, insisted that Trump had “exaggerated” the impact of the bombs, and declared victory over the US and Israel.
But Araghchi’s remarks create a different impression.
The foreign minister also said there were no plans to resume nuclear talks with the US. Iran cancelled a scheduled sixth round of talks when Israel began its attacks.
“I would like to state clearly that no agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations,” he said.
He added that the government was examining what was in the “interest of the Iranian people”, saying its approach to diplomacy will take a “new form”.
He did not explain what he meant.
In an attempt to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, the Trump administration has discussed the possibility of helping Iran access $30bn to build a civilian-energy-producing nuclear programme, easing sanctions and freeing up billions of dollars in restricted Iranian funds, CNN has reported.
But developments in Iran might obstruct such a move.
On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to stop co-operation with the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If it is implemented, it would mean Iran is no longer committed to allowing nuclear inspectors into its sites.
Israel has said its offensive against Iran was necessary to thwart what it claims are Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme is only intended for civilian purposes.
The US became directly involved in the conflict last weekend, striking facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, before Trump sought to rapidly mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said intelligence gathered by the US and Israel indicated the strikes “significantly damaged the nuclear programme, setting it back by years”.
A leaked preliminary Pentagon assessment downplayed the significance of the damage and said the US strikes only set Iran’s nuclear programme back by a few months. The leak has been dismissed by the administration.
Iran’s health ministry said 610 people were killed during the 12 days of Israel air strikes, while Israeli authorities said 28 were killed in Israel.
Source: BBC NEWS
The World Bank Group andthe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sealed an agreement today to work together to support the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries.
The partnership agreement, signed by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, formalizes multiple engagements between the two institutions over the last year, and marks the World Bank Group’s first concrete step to reengage with nuclear power in decades.
The agreement also reflects a new, broader approach by the World Bank Group to electrification—one that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and reliability, while managing emissions responsibly.
With electricity demand in developing countries expected to more than double by 2035, this approach aims to help countries deliver the energy people need by enabling pathways that best fit their national context, including development objectives and Nationally Determined Contributions.
Nuclear energy provides continuous baseload power, enhancing grid stability and resilience. Reliable baseload electricity is essential for job-generating sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
Nuclear power is also a source of high-skilled employment and stimulates investment across the broader economy. In addition, it can adjust to changes in electricity demand and support frequency regulation, enabling greater integration of variable renewable energy sources.
“Jobs need electricity. So do factories, hospitals, schools, and water systems. And as demand surges—with AI and development alike—we must help countries deliver reliable, affordable power. That’s why we’re embracing nuclear energy as part of the solution—and reembracing it as part of the mix the World Bank Group can offer developing countries to achieve their ambitions. Importantly, nuclear delivers baseload power, which is essential to building modern economies,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
“Our partnership with the IAEA marks an important step, and I’m grateful to Rafael for his personal commitment and leadership in making this possible. Together, we’ll deepen our expertise, support countries that choose nuclear, and ensure that safety, security, and sustainability guide every step forward.”
“Today’s agreement is a milestone and the result of a year of joint work since President Ajay Banga kindly invited me to the World Bank Group Executive Board in Washington in June of last year,” IAEA Director General Grossi said. “This landmark partnership, yet another sign of the world’s return to realism on nuclear power, opens the door for other multilateral development banks and private investors to consider nuclear as a viable tool for energy security and sustainable prosperity. Together, we can help more people build a better future.”
Under the memorandum of understanding signed today, the IAEA will work with the World Bank Group in three key areas:
Build knowledge related to the nuclear field: Expand the World Bank Group’s understanding of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, energy planning, new technologies, fuel cycles, reactor lifecycles, and waste management.
Extend the lifespan of existing nuclear power plants: Support developing countries in safely extending the life of existing nuclear reactors-one of the most cost-effective sources of low-carbon power-as many global reactors near the end of their original 40-year design life.
Advance SMRs: Accelerate the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer flexible deployment, lower upfront costs, and potential for wide adoption in developing economies.
Thirty-one countries currently operate nuclear power plants, which combined produce about 9% of the world’s electricity, amounting to almost a quarter of all low-carbon power globally.
More than 30 other countries, most of them in the developing world, are considering or already embarking on the introduction of nuclear power and are working with the IAEA to develop the necessary infrastructure to do so safely, securely and sustainably.
“SMRs have great potential to cleanly and reliably power progress and fight poverty, but financing remains a roadblock,” Director General Grossi said. “Today’s agreement is a crucial first step to clearing that path.”
Source: IAEA
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have taken a step towards advancing regional energy integration with a technical workshop on the 330 kV Double Circuit Interconnection Reinforcement Project—a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing electricity projects and strengthening the infrastructure backbone of the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
This joint venture between Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) and Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-ENERGIES) marks a significant milestone in deepening energy collaboration between the two countries and supporting the broader WAPP Coastal Transmission Backbone, linking the electricity networks of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
From June 25th to 27th, Accra hosted a high-level meeting of Energy Ministers from both countries, convened by the WAPP Secretariat in collaboration with GRIDCo.
The primary objective was to deliberate on the project and formalize commitments by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), defining the pathway for technical, institutional, and financial cooperation.
Abdoulaye Dia, Secretary General of WAPP, underscored the project’s strategic relevance: “This priority project is part of the broader WAPP Coastal Transmission Backbone connecting the electricity networks of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. It enjoys the full backing of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and will become a fundamental pillar in strengthening electricity trade within the region.”
Representing the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Ing. Solomon Adjetey-Sowah described the project as a “crucial step towards regional energy integration.” He commended the extensive feasibility study, noting it provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
“This robust framework will facilitate seamless project implementation and ensure collaboration rooted in mutual trust, transparency, and shared responsibility,” he emphasized. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the project’s success, pledging support in expertise, resources, and institutional backing.
The successful implementation of the 330kV interconnection project is expected to improve operational efficiency across the WAPP network, foster energy security, and catalyze economic growth, solidifying the partnership between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as a driving force in West Africa’s energy transformation.
Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo speaking at the event.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, met with key players in the petroleum industry to address concerns over the petroleum products importation schedule, popularly known as “Laycan,” which recently featured in the media, and other critical matters relating to downstream reforms.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, met with key players in the petroleum industry to address concerns over the petroleum products importation schedule, popularly known as “Laycan,” which recently featured in the media, and other critical matters relating to downstream reforms.
The meeting brought together representatives from major institutions including the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and other industry stakeholders.
Central to the discussion was the need to optimize the management of Laycan to enhance the efficiency of the petroleum supply chain. Hon. Jinapor stressed the importance of stricter coordination and adherence to Laycan schedules, acknowledging operational difficulties faced by industry players.
“As Minister, I take full responsibility for the challenges associated with Laycan management. I’m not here to pass blame. I’ve listened to your concerns, and you have my assurance that we will soon release a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the issues,” he said.
The engagement also focused on accelerating downstream reforms aimed at modernizing the sector, boosting efficiency, and ensuring the consistent availability of petroleum products across the country.
Hon. Jinapor announced government plans to expand and upgrade infrastructure, including constructing an additional mooring system to ease existing bottlenecks at the discharge point.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has begun a three-day Strategic Retreat, bringing together its senior management team and key departmental heads to address pressing challenges and chart a clear path forward in line with the Corporation’s transformation agenda.
The retreat focuses on developing a Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Under the theme “Powering Reform, Delivering Results,” the retreat unfolds in three phases:
Day 1: Diagnosing the Present – Taking stock of current realities, operational challenges, and institutional gaps.
Day 2: Reimagining the Future – Exploring bold reforms, innovation, and long-term priorities for sector growth.
Day 3: Committing to Action – Defining clear objectives, accountability structures, and implementation roadmaps.
The Strategic Retreat underscores LEC’s commitment to driving reform, improving operational efficiency, and delivering reliable, affordable electricity across Liberia.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) is set to commission its newly constructed 35km, 33kV overhead power line from Bichi Transmission Station to Dawanau International Grain Market, following a successful test run.
The N1.1 billion project, comprising two substations, 500KVA 33/.415 transformers, and low-tension (LT) lines, aims to serve Africa’s largest grain hub, fostering economic growth in Kano State and Nigeria.
The project is part of focused investments driven by KEDCO’s core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA), in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and state governments in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.
According to KEDCO’s Acting Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, the project recognizes the critical role of Dawanau Market in agricultural export, food security, and regional socio-economic development.
“Previously limping on 4 hours of daily power, we will now supply 20+ hours, increasing electricity capacity by 10MW, attracting 400+ medium and large-scale agro-processing plants, and reducing operating costs by 80% for sustainable growth,” Dr. Jimeta said.
He noted that the project complements the Kano State Government’s market standardization program, which includes a recent partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Lives and Livelihood Fund (LLF) to invest N628 million in infrastructure upgrades.
KEDCO Director Alh. Habib Ahmed Daura thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his emphasis on bringing Dawanau Market up to benchmark standards.
He appreciated the governor’s team’s support, particularly from the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, and the Managing Director of Kano State Rural Electricity Board, Engr. Sani Bala.
KEDCO Chairman Engr. Adamu Ibrahim Gumel stated that the investment addresses significant constraints on the industrial cluster’s growth potential and will boost KEDCO’s energy off-take, leading to equivalent revenue growth. “With the project completed, tested, and set for commissioning, the market is poised to experience improved power quality and availability,” he said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Sudan and South Sudan have not reached an agreement during discussions on revised oil export fees which South Sudan pays to Sudan to export oil from its ports, local outlet Radio Tamazuj reported on Thursday, quoting technical sources and officials.
South Sudan, a landlocked country in East Africa, broke from Sudan in 2011 and took with it around 350,000 barrels of day (bpd) in oil production at the time.
However, the only export oil pipeline out of South Sudan passes through its neighbor to the north, Sudan.
To access Port Sudan on the Red Sea, South Sudan is paying transit fees to Sudan for shipping its crude oil via the pipeline.
Now Sudan has proposed adjusting the export fees, due to logistics at the Bashayer oil terminal, according to the sources who spoke to Radio Tamazuj.
South Sudan’s exports via Sudan have only recently resumed after a nearly year-long hiatus due to the war in Sudan.
In early 2025, Sudan lifted the 10-month-long force majeure on the oil flows from South Sudan through Sudan, following new security arrangements and improved security conditions.
In March 2024, Sudan declared force majeure on crude oil exports from South Sudan, following a major rupture in the pipeline carrying crude from South Sudan to the port in Sudan in an area with active military activity.
South Sudan has also been considering alternative oil export routes.
In September last year, South Sudan’s presidency said that the country and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) were discussing the idea to build an alternative oil pipeline from the landlocked East African country to Djibouti via Ethiopia to boost crude export capabilities.
The statement came during the visit of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to China and the CNPC offices to discuss reforms in South Sudan’s oil sector, “including improving oil production through establishing a new refinery and building distribution networks.”
Source: Oilprice.com
The Executive members of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) visited the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, as part of their three-day engagement with industry stakeholders.
The delegation, led by ARDA Executive Secretary Mr. Anibor Ohole Kragha, aimed to learn best practices from NPA to improve regulatory and operational regimes in ARDA member countries.
NPA Chief Executive Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo welcomed the delegation, expressing readiness to share best practices. He praised ARDA’s platform for peer review and feedback, recalling his attendance at the last ARDA Week celebration in Cape Town, South Africa.
Mr. Anibor O. Kragha, Executive Secretary of ARDA (left), shaking hands with Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (right).
Mr. Kragha commended NPA’s support for ARDA and stated that the study tour sought insights to enhance refinery and petroleum product distribution operations.
NPA officials from various directorates, including Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), Planning and Economic Regulation, Legal, and Gas, briefed the delegation on their mandates and operations.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, has charged the newly appointed Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to be firm, prudent, and professional in regulating the country’s energy sector, which he described as central to Zambia’s economic stability and growth.
During the Board’s induction meeting held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Minister Chikote stressed that the energy sector has no room for regulatory errors or indecision, urging the new Board to instill order across all institutions operating under the Ministry’s policy framework.
He reminded the Board that every action or decision taken by the ERB has a direct impact on the lives of all Zambians and must therefore be undertaken with a high sense of responsibility. “The energy sector affects every citizen—every home, every business. You must therefore act with prudence and ensure that your decisions benefit the people,” the Minister said.
While assuring the Board of the Government’s full support, the Minister also encouraged them to exercise their regulatory independence while ensuring that national policies are implemented fairly and objectively. He urged them to draw on the diverse expertise within the Board to guide the energy sector toward sustainable growth.
The Minister challenged the Board to prioritize resolving pressing issues like load-shedding, which continues to disrupt economic activity and livelihoods. He cited the success of policies like open access, which contributed to the recent reduction in fuel prices, and called for such gains to be translated into real benefits for the Zambian people.
The Minister further called for enhanced teamwork between the Board and ERB management, stressing the importance of continuous policy direction and effective checks and balances. “I expect you to provide regular guidance to management and ensure that institutional systems are efficient, transparent, and accountable,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence in the composition of the new Board, describing it as a blend of seasoned Zambian professionals and energy experts. He noted that the Board is chaired by Mr. James Banda, a prominent Lusaka-based lawyer and businessman, whose leadership is expected to steer the institution to higher levels of performance.
The induction meeting marked the official commencement of the Board’s term, setting the tone for strong oversight and strategic leadership in Zambia’s energy regulatory landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia’s efforts to address the current power crisis are yielding positive results as the Mailo Solar PV Power Plant, located in Mailo Chiefdom in Serenje District, has attained a significant milestone by injecting 25 Megawatts (MW) of solar energy into the national grid.
The 110MW solar plant, conceptualized through a partnership between Solar Century Africa and ZESCO Limited, sits on 204 hectares of land in Chief Mailo’s chiefdom. Construction, which started in July last year, has rapidly progressed, with the first phase of work completed and tested in May this year.
“In terms of timelines, we plan to start clearing the site for phase two in July, which will take two months,” says Solar Century Africa Project Manager, Eng. Gondai Moyana. Beyond the 25MW in the first phase, the developers aim to achieve the next 35MW and then 50MW.
“Construction will start around September, while completion of mechanical works and testing will be done by April to May next year. Soon after that, we will start the third phase of 50MW, which is likely to take a bit longer. Commissioning [of the 50MW] will be around 2027,” he added.
ZESCO is at the forefront of providing solutions to the current electricity challenges, aggressively seeking private and public sector collaborations to address the energy deficit.
“Mailo Solar power plant is critical in our current situation and the future,” says Eng. Brian Kanyanga, Head of Renewables at ZESCO.
“It will contribute to lessening the burden on our [hydro] power plants.”
The successful completion of the first phase demonstrates the trust and confidence the private sector has placed in ZESCO as an implementing partner.
ZESCO ensures technical soundness during development and before a project releases its electrons into the national grid.
“Not only have we verified the designs, but we have also contributed to grid integration to ensure seamless integration into the national grid. As solar is intermittent, we need to ensure the technology doesn’t destabilize the grid while we enjoy its benefits,” Eng. Kanyanga added.
With a target to reach 1,000MW of solar electricity by year-end, Zambia’s “Solar Explosion” story is on course.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Representing the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Ing. Solomon Adjetey-Sowah described the project as a “crucial step towards regional energy integration.” He commended the extensive feasibility study, noting it provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
“This robust framework will facilitate seamless project implementation and ensure collaboration rooted in mutual trust, transparency, and shared responsibility,” he emphasized. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to the project’s success, pledging support in expertise, resources, and institutional backing.
The successful implementation of the 330kV interconnection project is expected to improve operational efficiency across the WAPP network, foster energy security, and catalyze economic growth, solidifying the partnership between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as a driving force in West Africa’s energy transformation.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
The Minister challenged the Board to prioritize resolving pressing issues like load-shedding, which continues to disrupt economic activity and livelihoods. He cited the success of policies like open access, which contributed to the recent reduction in fuel prices, and called for such gains to be translated into real benefits for the Zambian people.
The Minister further called for enhanced teamwork between the Board and ERB management, stressing the importance of continuous policy direction and effective checks and balances. “I expect you to provide regular guidance to management and ensure that institutional systems are efficient, transparent, and accountable,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence in the composition of the new Board, describing it as a blend of seasoned Zambian professionals and energy experts. He noted that the Board is chaired by Mr. James Banda, a prominent Lusaka-based lawyer and businessman, whose leadership is expected to steer the institution to higher levels of performance.
The induction meeting marked the official commencement of the Board’s term, setting the tone for strong oversight and strategic leadership in Zambia’s energy regulatory landscape.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
ZESCO is at the forefront of providing solutions to the current electricity challenges, aggressively seeking private and public sector collaborations to address the energy deficit.
“Mailo Solar power plant is critical in our current situation and the future,” says Eng. Brian Kanyanga, Head of Renewables at ZESCO.
“It will contribute to lessening the burden on our [hydro] power plants.”
The successful completion of the first phase demonstrates the trust and confidence the private sector has placed in ZESCO as an implementing partner.
ZESCO ensures technical soundness during development and before a project releases its electrons into the national grid.
“Not only have we verified the designs, but we have also contributed to grid integration to ensure seamless integration into the national grid. As solar is intermittent, we need to ensure the technology doesn’t destabilize the grid while we enjoy its benefits,” Eng. Kanyanga added.
With a target to reach 1,000MW of solar electricity by year-end, Zambia’s “Solar Explosion” story is on course.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com