Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday launched the construction of a 250-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant and a 150-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Leopard Hill Solar Generation Station in Chongwe District.
The US$315 million hybrid investment is expected to significantly boost the country’s electricity supply.
The launch, held during a colourful ceremony off Leopards Hill Road, marked a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen energy security and expand generation capacity.
Speaking at the event, President Hichilema said the project represents a major step in stabilising the national grid.
He noted that the integration of 250MW of solar power and 150MW of battery storage will enhance reliability and ensure a consistent electricity supply.
The President emphasised the need for a holistic approach to the country’s energy sector, encouraging resource sharing and investment in a diversified energy mix.
He described the project as evidence that reforms undertaken in the energy sector are yielding results, making investments more viable and sustaining economic growth.
President Hichilema reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing and refining these reforms to improve the operating environment and attract further investment.
He observed that Zambia has the potential to generate up to 1,000MW of solar energy, citing ongoing projects such as the 200MW Chisamba Solar Plants (Phase I and Phase II), which together with Leopard Hill will add about 450MW to the national grid.
He urged Zambians to form strategic partnerships and emulate private sector players who have diversified investments across sectors, while calling on ZESCO Limited to strengthen its balance sheet and actively participate in commercial ventures.
Acting Minister of Energy Rodney Sikumba said the project demonstrates the positive outcomes of reforms in the energy sector, adding that government remains committed to ensuring timely implementation of projects to expand access to electricity across the country.
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata expressed pride in hosting the project, noting that it will create employment opportunities and contribute to local economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the project developers, Project Chairperson Carl Irwin said the project had remained dormant for nearly a decade but has now become viable due to policy and legislative reforms that have improved its bankability.
He said the project, being implemented in partnership with Globeleq, Kyindu Resources Limited, and ZESCO, will be one of the largest battery storage projects on the continent and is designed to provide reliable and dispatchable power.
The project was conceived over 10 years ago but could not take off due to previously unsupportive policies toward private sector investment in the energy sector.
ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube said the initiative reflects resilience in policy direction and highlights the importance of sustainable and efficient power solutions. He added that the utility is working to strengthen its transmission network to meet growing demand, while acknowledging the role Independent Power Producers have played in supporting the country during periods of load shedding.
Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo, who is also Minister of Lands, said the district has faced electricity challenges for years but expressed confidence that the project will improve access and benefit households in the area.
British High Commissioner to Zambia Rebecca Terzeon said the project underscores the importance of reliable power in driving economic growth and regional trade. She noted that electricity demand in Zambia is rising rapidly and that the country remains an attractive investment destination, particularly within the global clean energy transition.
She announced that the United Kingdom is contributing £1.2 million towards Zambia’s energy compact and supporting initiatives such as the Zambia–Tanzania interconnector, signalling a shift from aid to investment.
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