KEY POINTS
- Zambia signs a deal with China to build three solar power plants.
- The new solar projects aim to generate 220MW by 2026.
- The deal is part of Zambia’s efforts to address its ongoing energy crisis.
Through a partnership with China, Zambia is making a giant leap towards addressing the energy problem by approving the construction of three solar power stations. During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), this deal was sealed between Zambia’s state-owned ZESCO, an electricity supply company, and China Datang Corporation to build the solar projects. The goal is to produce more electricity for a country constantly dealing with power outages.
ESI Africa reported that one of the largest power generation companies in China, China Datang Corporation, said it will develop these solar projects by 2026. The planned capacity is expected to generate up to 220 MW of clean power, assisting Zambia in boosting its energy resources. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema is confident that these efforts will propel Zambia to achieve her target of generating 10,000 MW of electricity.
Zambia’s Energy Crisis
Zambia has experienced severe energy problems this year, mainly occasioned by droughts, which have reduced water flow in major rivers on which Zambia relies for hydropower. The capacity in the Kafue River and Zambezi water basins has reduced significantly, leading to decreased electricity generation. The country has a maximum power demand of 2400 MW by July 2024 but can only generate 1040 MW, thus a major deficit.
This power deficit has put significant pressure on the Zambian economy, affecting consumers, firms, and households. This has led the government to source power from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Also, Zambia has started a net metering campaign whereby people are enticed to produce their power using solar products such as solar panels to ease the burden of the power utility company.
China’s Commitment to Zambia
China Datang Corporation Chairperson Zou Lei assured his company would help Zambia not only with solar energy but also with wind energy, coal, and power storage projects. According to Zou, such contracts may become a game changer for Zambia because China has vast experience in developing energy infrastructure.
China Datang Corporation, one of the country’s largest power generation companies, announced that it will build solar projects by 2026. The planned capacity is expected to reach 220 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, improving Zambia’s energy supply. Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, is optimistic that these efforts will help the country reach its goal of generating 10,000MW of electricity.
President Hichilema echoed this sentiment during the signing ceremony at China Datang’s headquarters in Beijing. He expressed hope this deal would help Zambia diversify its energy mix, reducing its dependence on hydropower and enhancing the country’s energy security.
