en.Wedoany.com Reported - Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has officially commissioned the Itimpi Solar Photovoltaic Park in Kitwe, Zambia. With an installed capacity of 60 MW, the project becomes the largest solar power facility currently in Zambia. The plant's commissioning reflects Zambia's focused efforts to adjust its predominantly hydro-based power generation mix and promote renewable energy development.
The electricity generated by the Itimpi Solar Park will be supplied directly to industrial users and residential consumers in the Copperbelt Province. This province is the core of Zambia's mining sector, where electricity demand remains consistently high. CEC stated that this plant is a key part of its strategy to expand clean energy capacity, aimed at optimizing the national power supply structure and enhancing energy security.
The park is equipped with thousands of photovoltaic modules and a solar tracking system, which allows the panels to follow the sun's direction, thereby improving generation efficiency and better meeting peak load demands. The project was rapidly implemented through large-scale investment and proven technology.
Beyond power output, the plant also provides a direct boost to Zambia's environmental targets. Replacing some fossil fuel-based power generation with solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the mining sector's growing requirements for sustainable operations. During construction, the project provided hundreds of jobs and technical training for the local community, stimulating nearby businesses and fostering skills development.
Zambia has long relied on hydropower, with over 80 percent of the nation's electricity coming from hydro sources. However, due to recent droughts and declining water levels in reservoirs such as Kariba, power shortages have occurred periodically. The introduction of large-scale solar projects like this one is widely seen as an effective way to diversify energy sources and enhance grid stability. CEC also revealed follow-up plans to continue growing its renewable energy asset portfolio, hoping to use the Itimpi plant as a model to collaborate with the government and private capital to advance more solar and wind projects, supporting Zambia's long-term energy transition.
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