President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the 100-megawatt Chisamba Phase II Solar Power Plant, describing the 75-million United States dollar investment as a major milestone in Zambia’s transition to clean and sustainable energy. President Hichilema says the project…

President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the 100-megawatt Chisamba Phase II Solar Power Plant, describing the 75-million United States dollar investment as a major milestone in Zambia’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.

President Hichilema says the project demonstrates government’s commitment to achieving energy security while reducing the effects of climate change through increased investment in renewable energy.

The Head of State said the Solar Plant is contributing to government’s vision of generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.

Speaking at the commissioning of the solar plant in Chisamba’s Chikokomena Ward, Mr Hichilema said he is optimistic that the 10,000 megawatt target of solar power generation is slowly being realized.

He disclosed that out of the 10,000 Megawatt target, ZESCO Limited only has so far produced 800 Megawatt of solar power energy generation.

President Hichilema commended ZESCO for undertaking the project works in seven months.

Mr Hichilema said the facility will increase power generation at the Chisamba Solar Complex from 100 megawatts to 200 megawatts, reinforcing government’s efforts to strengthen national energy security through increased investment in renewable energy.

He stated that the project demonstrates the importance of investing in renewable energy infrastructure as Zambia works towards achieving a diversified and sustainable energy sector.

And President Hichilema dismissed assertions by the opposition that load shedding has ended because of the forthcoming general election, saying government will continue to deliver development to the people with or without elections.

The President commended Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people for providing the land for the solar plant.

Speaking earlier, Central Province Permanent Secretary (PS,) Milner Mwanakampwe disclosed that the region has reached its target of providing 437MW of electricity above the 400 target.

ZESCO Managing Director, Justin Loongo revealed that 1,480 jobs were created in the second phase of the sole single largest solar generation in Zambia.

He said the additional 100 megawatts of solar power will be fed into the national grid, increasing the solar plant’s total generation capacity to 200 megawatts and improving electricity supply to households, businesses and industries

Chief Chamuka pledged to provide an additional 50 hectares of land for developmental purposes particularly, energy.

The traditional leader warned his subjects against vandalizing the facility emphasizing that the 200 MW power generation capacity will enhance electricity security and reduce the country’s dependence on hydropower.

He said developmental projects that uplift the livelihoods of the people should first benefit his subjects and the country as a whole.

Chief Chamuka said the project will create employment opportunities, promote technology transfer and support economic growth by providing reliable electricity to key sectors such as mining, manufacturing, agriculture and small-scale enterprises describing the project as a major milestone in Zambia’s energy sector.

The Head of State also toured and inspected the power control room, solar panels before he unveiled a plaque of the plant.

The Phase Two project has been developed by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation Limited (KNPCL), a subsidiary of ZESCO Limited, while construction has been undertaken by Power China International Group Limited.

The commissioning of the Chisamba solar plant was witnessed by senior government, ZESCO and Power China officials, some traditional leaders, as well as Chisamba residents.