Chisamba Solar PV Plant Nears Completion, Set to Boost Zambia’s Energy Capacity

The Chisamba Solar PV Plant, a 100-megawatt renewable energy project, is now 71% complete and on track to be commissioned by May this year. This $100 million initiative is expected to help address Zambia’s power deficit, providing a much-needed boost to the national grid.

According to Boyd Kanchela, Chief Executive Officer of Kariba North Bank Power Extension Corporation, the project is funded through a combination of 70% debt and 30% equity. Currently, the construction phase has created 750 jobs, with employment expected to double once the plant becomes operational.

Kanchela shared these updates with a team from the Energy Forum for Africa (EFFA) Conference. EFFA Convener Hope Chanda expressed satisfaction with the progress, reaffirming the forum’s goal to add 500 megawatts to Zambia’s energy capacity by the end of the year.

Green-Co’s Head of New Ventures, Chikoma Kazunga, also highlighted the company’s role in the project, confirming plans to purchase power from the Chisamba plant for at least a decade once it goes live.

With its focus on clean energy and significant job creation, the Chisamba Solar PV Plant is poised to be a major step forward in Zambia’s renewable energy transition.