President Hakainde Hichilema has launched the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Chongwe District.
The solar project, to be situated at Kyindu Ranch along Leopards Hill Road, will be constructed by Globeleq in partnership with ZESCO Limited.
President Hakainde Hichilema said the US$350 million project, is a testament to Zambia’s strong relationship with cooperating partners and vital to enhancing power generation as well as stabilising electricity supply in the country.
Speaking at the launch, President Hichilema noted that the project will not only power homes but also contribute to efforts of combating climate change.
The President further emphasised the need for collaboration with independent power producers and energy traders to ensure a constant power supply to critical sectors such as mining.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that Zambia develops, so let us create a conducive environment for investors, especially in the energy sector,” he said.
President Hichilema added that inadequate power supply slows down economic activities, including value addition.
President Hichilema said the project contributes to Zambia’s target of 10,000 megawatt of generation capacity.
He emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond hydro, which accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s electricity.
“We never knew before that this sun could give us 250 megawatts and now we know,” he said.
President Hichilema added that wind is another element of the energy mix, noting Eastern Province’s high potential.
He praised ZESCO for rebuilding commercial partnerships.
