Power Grid

Zambia is making significant strides toward its ambitious goal of generating 1,000 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity by the end of the year, a key effort to bridge the energy gap that has constrained the country’s economic growth.

A major step in this direction is the Luapula Solar PV Power Plant, situated in Mabumba Chiefdom, Mansa District. This strategic project is expected to contribute 50MW of clean solar power to the national grid once completed.

Owned entirely by ZESCO Limited, Zambia’s national power utility, the solar plant is poised to bolster economic development in Mansa District and the wider Luapula Province. According to Eng. Brian Kanyanga, Head of Renewables at ZESCO, the project will help address the energy shortages that followed last year’s drought, adding much-needed capacity to the national grid.

He emphasized that the increased energy supply is vital for supporting the region’s rapidly growing farming and mining sectors.

While the solar plant is progressing steadily with 30% of groundwork already completed, it is scheduled to be operational by December 2025. This initiative aligns with the government’s push, led by the President, for a major expansion of solar energy, diversifying Zambia’s power sources and promoting economic growth across the country.

Historically, the Musonda Falls hydropower station has supplied around 10MW to the region’s grid, playing a crucial role in sustaining Luapula’s agricultural and mining activities. However, as Eng. Peter Chamfya, ZESCO’s Chief Operating Officer, notes, the hydropower output remains insufficient despite recent upgrades.

To remedy this, plans are underway to install a high-voltage line from Kasama to support the mining sector. The addition of 50MW from the new solar plant will complement existing hydropower resources, unlocking Luapula’s manganese mining potential and advancing President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda for a resilient and diversified energy mix.