Zesco Invests $30m in Fresh Solar Generation Capacity

Zesco Invests $30m in Fresh Solar Generation Capacity

Zesco has commissioned a 35-megawatt solar power plant in Chibombo, marking one of the state utility’s notable steps toward broadening Zambia’s energy mix through renewable sources, including solar. The project, valued at about 30 million dollars, was announced during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, representatives from the utility, and stakeholders in the energy sector. The new installation is expected to contribute additional capacity to the national grid whose performance has faced criticism in recent years due to persistent load-management measures driven by reduced hydropower generation.

According to Zesco’s leadership, the facility was conceived as part of a wider programme to improve security of electricity supply by gradually reducing the country’s heavy dependency on hydropower. They explained that inconsistent water levels, increasingly linked to climatic variations, have undermined generation reliability. Under these circumstances, solar investments are seen as an important means to stabilise output and diversify production across renewable platforms, with solar being a key focus. The Chibombo project therefore forms a significant component within a cluster of renewable initiatives Zesco intends to roll out over the medium term.

During the commissioning, officials noted that preparations for the plant began several years earlier, but financial closure and construction were achieved more recently following adjustments to internal planning. They stressed that the project is not intended to function in isolation but rather to complement the utility’s existing transmission network and planned infrastructure developments. The addition of 35 megawatts will not entirely eliminate pressure on the grid, they acknowledged, but will improve Zesco’s ability to balance supply, especially during daylight hours when solar output peaks and solar generation is at its highest.

The event also highlighted ongoing work on a 330-kilovolt transmission line running between Choma and Kafue West. This separate undertaking, estimated at 100 million dollars, is designed to strengthen power flows between southern and central regions of the country and create a more resilient distribution backbone. Officials noted that pairing generation expansion with transmission upgrades is necessary to ensure new production does not become constrained by limited evacuation capacity. They added that the two projects reflect the utility’s commitment to pursuing a modern, flexible grid that can support economic growth while meeting rising household demand.

Government representatives at the launch characterised the solar plant as a practical response to Zambia’s broader energy challenges. They referenced the country’s vulnerability to hydrological shocks, pointing to recent droughts that have led to electricity deficits and forced load-management across multiple sectors. They argued that diversifying the energy mix is key to insulating the economy from such shocks and improving stability for industry, agriculture, and social services. The officials also stated that the project aligns with Zambia’s commitments to adopt greener energy systems and gradually transition away from carbon-intensive generation methods.

The new solar facility was built with technology sourced from established international suppliers, and Zesco engineers underscored the attention given to efficiency standards and long-term maintainability. They explained that the plant includes monitoring systems that allow real-time performance tracking and support preventative maintenance schedules. The utility expects the installation to operate at high availability levels and contribute consistently to daily supply, particularly in periods when hydropower generation is constrained.

In remarks delivered at the ceremony, Zesco noted that further solar capacity is under evaluation. The utility is studying opportunities to scale up renewable generation in other provinces, taking into account land availability, grid access, and regional demand patterns. In addition to solar, there are plans to explore small-scale hydro and wind options where technical assessments indicate viable potential. The officials added that models for public-private cooperation are being considered to accelerate delivery while managing the financial burden on the utility’s balance sheet.

Stakeholders present at the launch emphasised that while 35 megawatts may appear modest relative to national peak demand, the significance lies in demonstrating that solar can be integrated at scale within Zambia’s grid. They argued that incremental additions, deployed steadily across the country, could collectively contribute meaningful volumes and reduce exposure to water-dependent assets. For local communities, the project is also expected to stimulate employment around operational and maintenance services, and create opportunities for auxiliary industries that support renewable energy works.

Although the plant will not fully resolve Zambia’s energy supply concerns, officials reiterated that it represents a purposeful shift in strategy. They noted that solar generation avoids fuel imports, shortens construction timelines, and reduces environmental impacts. The commissioning of the Chibombo facility therefore reflects Zesco’s intent to build a more diverse and climate-resilient electricity system while setting the foundation for future projects as funding and technical capacity expand.