Zambia has launched construction of the $84.2 million Kasama 100-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project, as the country steps up efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on hydropower.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Senior Chief Mwamba’s Sombe Village in Kasama.
President Hakainde Hichilema, in a speech delivered by Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy generation as Zambia responds to the impact of climate change on its power sector.
” The lessons from climate change are clear. We must diversify our energy sources to build a resilient and secure electricity supply that supports national development,” Hichilema said.
He said the Kasama solar project would contribute to the government’s target of adding 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation capacity over the next five years.
Zambia has historically relied heavily on hydropower for electricity generation, leaving the power sector vulnerable to drought and declining water levels at major hydroelectric facilities.
Hichilema said reliable electricity was critical to supporting the country’s mining sector, expanding manufacturing and advancing industrialisation.
He called for prudent management of Zambia’s energy resources to ensure that they support economic development and long-term energy security.
The president urged the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to complete the project within the agreed 12-month timeframe while maintaining the required quality standards.
He also directed that the project comply fully with Zambia’s environmental laws and regulations.
Hichilema called on local communities to protect the solar infrastructure from vandalism and thanked Senior Chief Mwamba for supporting the project and making land available for its development.
The Kasama project adds to Zambia’s efforts to expand solar power generation as the country seeks to strengthen electricity supply and reduce its exposure to hydropower shortages caused by drought.
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