Zambia’s state-owned power utility, ZESCO Limited, has announced the completion of the 100MW Chisamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project.
The project, said to be the largest grid-connected solar facility in Zambia and the biggest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa excepting South Africa, cost $100 million and is now ready to be commissioned.
The project was developed by the Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation (KNBEPC), a company incorporated by ZESCO to execute its projects.
Zesco and KNBEPC provided $30 million in equity for the $100 million project, while Stanbic Bank Zambia led a loan to cover the remaining 70% ( $71.5 million).
“This achievement is a clear demonstration of what we can accomplish through strong public-private collaboration and innovative thinking”, ZESCO said in a statement.
KNBEPC will sell the solar electricity generated at the Chisamba solar plant to GreenCo under a 13-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
GreenCo will supply the electricity, blended with other sources from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) to ensure a consistent 24/7 supply, to First Quantum Minerals (FQM).
Zesco said the agreement allows it to take an equivalent amount of electricity that would have otherwise gone to FQM and redirect it to homes and businesses.
“This directly helps us meet domestic demand and plays a significant role in lessening load shedding,” the company stated.
At the end of the 13-year GreenCo PPA, all the electricity generated by the solar farm will be delivered directly to ZESCO, further enhancing Zambia’s supply capacity.
ZESCO also announced plans for a second 100MW phase at the Chisamba plant which will double the total electricity generation capacity there to 200MW.
Zambia’s ongoing solar energy projects
Earlier this month, Zambia Energy Regulation Board (ERB) approved licenses and construction permits for two solar projects in the country.
One such project is the 100MW solar power plant in Mumbwa. With a cost of $75 million, the project will be executed by Sun Share Energy.
The other project is the 8MW off-grid solar PV plant with battery storage located in Zambia’s North-Western Province.
With a cost of $8 million, the project is executed by Sany International Zambia and will feature 20MWh of battery storage intended to support local mining operations and deliver electricity to remote communities.
Another solar project ongoing in Zambia is the 50-megawatt Phase-One Cooma Solar Plant. Located in Zambia’s Choma District, the project will feature a 20-megawatt battery energy storage system.
The project, launched by Zambia’s energy Minister Makozo Chikote earlier this month, will contribute to the country’s energy security and low-carbon development.
