Government hails K4.3 million 100kw solar project

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy adoption and sustainable public sector operation.

This follows the successful pre-commissioning inspection of a 100-kilowatt hybrid solar power system at the Public Service Micro-Finance Company (PSMFC) in Roma, Lusaka.

Speaking after the inspection, Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Oliver Kalabo, described the project as a milestone in government’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency, operational resilience and climate action across public institutions.

The media reports that Dr Kalabo said the solar installation, which integrates battery storage and a hybrid link with the existing generator, is designed to provide a stable power supply to PSMFC’s digital and banking systems.

He said the system will reduce dependency on grid electricity and generator fuel, lower operational costs and cut carbon emissions in line with Zambia’s green economy agenda.

“This milestone underscores government’s steadfast commitment to advancing clean energy solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening sustainability across the public service,” Dr Kalabo said.

He highlighted that the system will operate under a net metering arrangement, allowing the company to feed excess solar power, back into the ZESCO national grid and earn credits to offset electricity costs.

He said the project was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Energy and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and was complete within the approved timeframe and budget.

“This achievement affirms that public projects can be successfully delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards when they are properly planned, executed, and supervised,” Dr Kalabo said.

The Acting Secretary to the Cabinet commended PSMFC management and institutional partners for professionalism and fiscal discipline, saying the project serves as a benchmark for other public agencies.

He further urged ministries, departments, and agencies to emulate the initiative by investing in renewable energy systems that incorporate hybrid technology, net metering, and strong maintenance programmes to ensure long-term sustainability.

Dr. Kalabo noted that such projects directly support the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Green Economy and Environment Policy, both of which prioritise renewable energy adoption and efficient public infrastructure.

He was particularly happy that Smart Energy, a Zambian company, that installed the system used four interns from the University of Zambia (UNZA )’s school of engineering of which two were female .

He urged government training institutions to focus on equipping young graduates with such knowledge.

Meanwhile, Public Service Micro Finance Company Limited Chief Executive Officer Mubanga Mwiko (CEO) said the project was done at total coast of K4.3 million.

He said the installation of the hybrid solar system had reduced the operational coast at the company.

Project manager Oscar Kabwe stated that this solar system will allow the microfinance institution to save about K80, 000 in electricity expenses each month.

The 100kw hybrid solar system at PSMFC is expected to be fully commissioned before the end of 2025.