Zambia Energizes National Grid with Landmark 100 MW Solar PV Project, Bolstering Renewable Energy Transition
Key Insights
Zambia has officially commissioned its largest grid-connected solar photovoltaic project, adding 100 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the national grid.
The initiative marks a significant step in Zambia's strategy to diversify its energy mix, reducing reliance on hydropower and enhancing energy security.
Developed under the Scaling Solar program, this project attracted substantial international investment, highlighting confidence in Zambia's renewable energy sector.
This new solar capacity is expected to improve grid stability, support industrial growth, and contribute to the nation's climate change mitigation efforts.
Zambia officially commissioned its landmark 100-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Monday, marking the country's largest grid-connected solar initiative to date. Located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone, this utility-scale plant is a pivotal step in Zambia's strategic shift towards a diversified and resilient energy mix, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with its predominantly hydropower-dependent grid.
The project, developed under the World Bank Group’s Scaling Solar program, was executed by a consortium led by Neoen and First Solar, in partnership with Zambia's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The plant utilizes advanced PV technology, designed for optimal performance under local irradiance conditions, and is expected to generate approximately 200 GWh of clean electricity annually. This output will significantly contribute to meeting Zambia's growing energy demand, which has historically faced deficits, particularly during periods of low rainfall impacting hydropower generation.
“This 100 MW solar plant is a testament to Zambia’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable energy future and our proactive approach to climate change mitigation,” stated a senior official from the Ministry of Energy, speaking at the commissioning ceremony. “It underscores our resolve to harness our abundant solar resources, enhance energy security, and foster economic development through clean energy.” The project represents a substantial investment, estimated at over $120 million, demonstrating the increasing attractiveness of Zambia’s renewable energy sector to international investors.
Prior to this development, Zambia’s energy landscape was dominated by hydropower, accounting for over 85% of its installed generation capacity. While cost-effective, this reliance has led to vulnerabilities, with recent droughts causing significant power outages and hindering industrial productivity. The new solar capacity provides a crucial baseload contribution, improving grid stability and reducing the country’s susceptibility to climatic shocks. This diversification is aligned with Zambia’s National Energy Policy, which targets an increase in renewable energy sources beyond hydro.
The successful integration of this 100 MW facility into the national grid is expected to spur further private sector participation in Zambia’s renewable energy market. The Scaling Solar program, which facilitated competitive bidding processes, has proven effective in de-risking investments and accelerating project development. Analysts anticipate that this project will serve as a blueprint for subsequent large-scale solar and wind projects, positioning Zambia as a regional leader in the transition to sustainable energy infrastructure and attracting more foreign direct investment into its burgeoning clean energy economy.