ZAMBIA UNVEILS LARGEST SOLAR PLANT TO POWER A GREENER FUTURE

The Chisamba Solar Power Plant Signals Dawn of a New Era in National Grid Stability and Climate Action.

Zambia Renewable energy project Chisamba solar power plant Climate resilience Electricity.

Zambia Unvails Largest Chisamba Solar Power Plant

Zambia is set to flip the switch on its most ambitious renewable energy project yet, the Chisamba Solar Power Plant, ushering in what could be a defining chapter in the country’s energy independence and climate resilience journey.

Slated to be commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema, the $100 million facility in Chisamba will add 100 megawatts to Zambia’s national grid, marking the single largest infusion of solar power in the country’s history. But beyond its size, the project represents a decisive policy shift: a turn away from the nation’s long-standing reliance on hydropower, which has come under strain amid persistent droughts.

For a country where over 80% of electricity generation still hinges on water levels, the stakes are high. The prolonged dry seasons linked to climate change have forced Zambia to rethink its energy strategy. The Chisamba plant stands at the heart of that transition, a blueprint for diversification and a foundation for future resilience.

ZESCO spokesperson Matongo Maumbi emphasized that the project sets a benchmark for all future solar investments and directly supports the government’s goal of generating 1,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2025.

Strategically located in the sun-drenched Chisamba district, the plant is designed to maximize solar irradiance while being closely integrated with the country’s transmission infrastructure. Its launch also concludes Phase 1 of a broader multi-phase rollout, with the next development phase already in motion.

The development has also provided a strong socio-economic boost. Over 1,300 construction jobs were created during Phase 1, with 98% of positions filled by locals. Post-commissioning, around 100 permanent roles will be maintained, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from the facility’s operations.

Financed through a public-private partnership, the Chisamba facility reflects a growing investor appetite for sustainable infrastructure in Zambia. Its success may fast-track further solar ventures, enabling Zambia to hit its 2025 targets while boosting investor confidence in the sector.

The plant also positions Zambia as a regional leader in the clean energy space. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country possesses vast, underutilized solar potential, making initiatives like Chisamba not only strategic but overdue.

Importantly, the plant contributes to Zambia’s climate goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reducing emissions intensity while fostering sustainable development.

As Southern Africa grapples with worsening climate disruptions and electricity shortfalls, Zambia’s pivot to solar may well serve as a replicable model. The commissioning of the Chisamba plant is not merely a ceremonial event; it is a declaration of intent, resilience, and regional leadership in the global energy transition.

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ZAMBIA UNVEILS LARGEST SOLAR PLANT TO POWER A GREENER FUTURE

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