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.
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
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