Wedoany.com Report-May 27, Zesco, Zambia’s state-owned power company, has completed the 100 MW Chisamba solar farm in southern Zambia, marking it as the country’s largest grid-connected solar facility and the biggest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa outside South Africa. The project, now ready for commissioning, represents a significant step in expanding renewable energy capacity in the region. Zesco announced plans to develop a second 100 MW phase at the same site to further increase output.

The Chisamba solar farm was developed by Zesco’s subsidiary, Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corp. (Knepc), with Power China serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. The $100 million project was funded through $30 million in equity contributions from both Zesco and Knepc, with the remaining 70% covered by a loan led by Stanbic Bank Zambia.

A 13-year power purchase agreement, arranged by GreenCo Power Services, designates First Quantum Minerals (FQM) as the primary offtaker. Zesco noted that this arrangement allows the company to redirect an equivalent amount of electricity, originally allocated to FQM, to households and businesses. In a social media post, Zesco stated: “This directly helps us meet domestic demand and plays a significant role in lessening load shedding.” The initiative supports Zambia’s efforts to address energy shortages and enhance local power supply reliability.

By the end of 2024, Zambia’s total solar capacity reached 196 MW, up from 134 MW in 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The Chisamba solar farm significantly contributes to this growth, strengthening Zambia’s renewable energy infrastructure. The project’s completion aligns with broader efforts to meet rising domestic energy needs and reduce reliance on load shedding, fostering economic stability through improved access to electricity.

The development of the Chisamba solar farm underscores Zambia’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. With plans for a second phase, Zesco aims to further expand the facility’s capacity, enhancing its role in the national energy mix. The collaboration with Power China and financial backing from Stanbic Bank Zambia highlights the project’s importance as a model for large-scale renewable energy initiatives in the region.