Zambia has performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the Chipata West 100-megawatt (MW) solar power project, as part of plans to address the ongoing load shedding necessitated by drought, which reduced inflows into the Kariba hydroelectric power dam. The project, estimated at $80 million, is expected to be completed in 12 months.
The south-central African nation is hoping to develop solar power projects with the capacity to generate 1,000 megawatts. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in the Eastern Province, the Minister for Energy, Makozo Chikote, in a speech read for him by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lewis Mwape, described the project as a beacon of progress under President Hakainde Hichilema’s New Dawn Government, noting that the development comes less than two months after the commissioning of the Chisamba 100MW solar plant.
“This project will provide clean electricity to surrounding communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the impact of climate change. It is a true demonstration of our President’s vision for a fully electrified Zambia where solar contributes significantly,” the Minister said.
He outlined the government’s Solar Explosion initiative, aimed at expanding renewable energy generation, improving access to clean power, and reducing Zambia’s carbon footprint. Under the initiative, ZESCO has already rolled out solar projects in Chisamba and Serenje, with similar plants planned nationwide.
He also highlighted key reforms driving energy sector growth, including: Net Metering Regulations, Electricity Open Access Regulations and Energy Single Licensing System.
To further improve electricity access, Minister Chikote pointed to the National Electricity Advancement Transformation (NEAT) programme, which has reduced connection fees from K4,864 to K300, with the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) covering the difference.
“This means many families and small businesses who could not previously afford power will now switch on their lights,” he said.
“With projects like this, we are moving together toward a brighter, safer, more connected Zambia.”
The Chief Operations Officer of ZESCO, Mr. Peter Chamfya, reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy, saying ZESCO is working with the private sector, including China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), and to implement the Chipata West project to help reduce the current power deficit.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.