Zambia : Govt, Investors Increase Electricity Generation

More electricity is being added to Zambia’s national grid as government and private investors expand generation capacity to meet the demands of a growing economy.

Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson Henry Kapata says in the last five years, Zambia’s installed electricity generation capacity has increased from about 3,100 megawatts in 2021 to 4,576 megawatts in 2026, culminating into an increase of about 1,476 megawatts.

Mr Kapata has told the media in Lusaka today that the expansion is changing the way Zambia is approaching electricity expansion.

“Power is increasingly being treated as an economic resource meant to support mining, agriculture, manufacturing, irrigation, agro-processing and other productive activities as the country works to grow its economy,” says Mr Kapata.

He adds that the government has taken note of continued concerns over water levels at Kariba, particularly because Zambia has historically depended heavily on hydropower, saying the response has been to learn from that experience and build a more diversified electricity system.

Mr Kapata says one of the clearest signs of that change is the growth of solar power.

“Solar generation capacity has increased from about 88 megawatts in 2021 to about 841 megawatts in 2026. Government’s target is to add enough solar capacity to reach 1,000 megawatts by the end of 2026,” he said.

And Mr Kapata has explained that this means that the expansion of electricity is no longer dependent on one source, adding that Zambia is adding solar energy, while continuing to develop hydro, thermal, wind, geothermal and other forms of energy.

“Independent power producers are also investing in new projects, increasing the amount of private capital going into the electricity sector,” he added.

Mr Kapata has further disclosed that Ezra Energy is constructing a 400-megawatt thermal power project in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province, explaining that the project will significantly add to the baseload generation and reduce the country’s exposure to the effects of drought on hydropower.

He says in Livingstone, the first phase of the 135-megawatt Gouli Energy project is expected to undergo technical commissioning in October, with the second phase expected around mid next year.

“Once both phases are complete, the project will add 270 megawatts to the electricity supply,” said Mr Kapata.

“Maamba Energy is also expanding its thermal generation capacity while also developing a 100-megawatt solar project. A further 600-megawatt power project is also being developed in the area as part of the wider expansion of generation capacity,” he said.

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