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Energy industries

Zambia's Power Giants Unite to Accelerate Solar Deployment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Zambia's electricity sector is gearing up for a massive solar push, as ZESCO and CEC Plc, the country's two leading power companies, come together to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation facilities. The joint venture aims to tap into the country's vast solar potential, with CEC expected to increase its solar footprint to 230 megawatts peak and ZESCO targeting the inauguration of about 500 megawatts at identified sites in the Northern and Southern provinces.

Key Takeaways:

  • ZESCO and CEC Plc are establishing a joint planning team to accelerate the deployment of solar power generation facilities across Zambia.
  • The joint planning team is targeting the inauguration of about 500 megawatts of solar power facilities in the Northern and Southern provinces.
  • CEC Plc is expected to increase its solar footprint to 230 megawatts peak, powered by a $200 million green bond issued in 2024.
  • ZESCO is currently conducting pre-commissioning trials for its 100-megawatt Chisamba solar project, which will be the state utility's inaugural solar project upon commissioning.
  • CEC's solar projects have provided valuable experience that ZESCO and the country can learn from and benefit from expanding the solar PV footprint.
  • CEC supports the government's target of installing at least 1,000 megawatts of solar power by the end of this year.
  • ZESCO's chairman Vickson Ncube has expressed the need for a joint planning team to plan the national response to solar development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and coordination.

Statistics:

  • 500 megawatts: the target for solar power facilities to be inaugurated in the Northern and Southern provinces.
  • 230 megawatts: the expected increase in CEC Plc's solar footprint.
  • $200 million: the value of CEC's green bond issued in 2024.
  • 100 megawatts: the capacity of ZESCO's Chisamba solar project.
  • 1,000 megawatts: the government's target for solar power installation by the end of the year.

Sources:

  • ZESCO's chairman Vickson Ncube's statement to journalists in Kitwe, as reported in the article.
  • CEC's board chairman London Mwafulilwa's statement on CEC's solar projects and experience.
  • Government target of installing at least 1,000 megawatts of solar power by the end of the year.

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