Zambia: Maamba Energy Breaks Ground For A 100 MW Solar Power Plant

Maamba Solar Energy Limited, an independent renewable energy company in Zambia, has performed a groundbreaking ceremony to begin the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Maamba, Southern Province.

The government has described the project as a “game-changing” step towards addressing the country’s power crisis and advancing Zambia’s climate and energy goals.

The ceremony, held on Monday, September 22, 2025, was attended by investors, community leaders, and government officials, including the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Chikote commended the company for partnering with government in seeking solutions to the country’s energy challenges.

“Maamba Solar Energy Limited has responded to the vision of restoring stability in the energy sector and improving our energy mix,” Minister Chikote remarked.

“Zambia depended so much on hydro, and when this drought hit us, this administration thought outside the box. We began exploring other alternative sources of energy, such as the one we are launching today here in Maamba,” he added.

The Minister further stated that government has lined up several solar projects to ensure that the country never again experiences prolonged load-shedding.

“That’s how we have planned our energy mix, and we will continue to address the power deficit in the immediate, medium, and long term. Our interest is to ensure that electricity reaches every Zambian household while supporting economic growth,” Chikote said.

Once completed in mid-2026, the Maamba solar plant will supply 100 MW of clean energy to the national grid.

Combined with Maamba Energy’s Phase II thermal expansion—expected to increase its capacity to 600 MW—the town of Maamba is projected to deliver a total of 700 MW of power by next year.

Ashwin Devineni, Managing Director of Maamba Solar Energy Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Zambia’s growth and energy diversification.

“This 100 MW solar project is a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and supporting the government’s ambition to add 1,000 MW of solar capacity to the national grid,” he noted.

The solar development forms part of government’s broader plan to add 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity under the Mission 300 – Universal Access to Power program.

Beyond adding clean power, the investment will help cushion the economy against climate shocks and changing weather patterns. It also represents a transition to renewable energy, a reduced carbon footprint, and the deployment of advanced bifacial solar modules with the highest levels of efficiency.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com