Does Kitwe need a solar power plant?

The solar power plant in Kitwe represents a $60 million investment, a considerable influx of capital into the local economy. This investment not only underscores the feasibility of solar power in the region but also highlights the growing confidence in renewable energy technologies.

Will Kariba power plant help alleviate the power shortage in Zambia?

Energy Minister Peter Kapala emphasised the plant’s timely contribution to promoting alternative energy sources, which will help alleviate the power shortfall in Zambia. Zambia is a country experiencing enhanced loadshedding due to power shortage caused by reduced water levels at Kariba, one of the country’s major power stations.

Is solar energy available in Zambia?

Zambia has abundant renewable energy resources available throughout the country and enjoys long and intense hours of annual sunlight to support solar energy generation, averaging about 2,000-3,000 hours of sunshine per year. The solar power or PV market remains dominated by government, NGO and donor funded projects.

Who commissioned Zambia's first solar project?

In March 2019, a joint French (Neoen) – American (First Solar) consortium commissioned Zambia’s first utility scale solar project, a 47.5MW plant that is providing power directly into ZESCO’s national grid. Italian firm Enel commissioned the second Scaling Solar project in May 2020, providing 26MW of solar power to the grid.

Why does Zambia have a power shortage?

Zambia is a country experiencing enhanced loadshedding due to power shortage caused by reduced water levels at Kariba, one of the country’s major power stations. The installed generation capacity in Zambia is 3,356.6 MW: 83% of hydro and increasingly vulnerable to climate change; 9% coal; 5% heavy fuel oil; and 3% solar PV.

What can Zambia do besides solar?

SIAZ President Matanda Mwewa noted that besides solar, Zambia has potential for wind, geothermal and other forms of renewable energy that can be added to the national grid. Speaking to ESI Africa, Mwewa said: “We need to diversify seeing that we can’t just rely on hydropower.