Zambia And SkyPower Global Partner For 1,000 MW Solar Energy Project

SkyPower Global, an independent power producer headquartered in Canada, has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Zambia’s state-owned utility ZESCO Ltd to supply 1,000 MW of solar energy to the Southern African nation. The agreement, announced jointly by both companies in a press release, supports the Green Giant Zambia project, which aims to provide electricity to approximately 4 million households, stimulate employment opportunities, and bolster Zambia’s economy reliant on copper mining with more renewable energy.

President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the significance of the Green Giant Zambia project within the framework of Zambia’s Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, particularly amidst the prevailing drought conditions due to climate change. The initiative seeks to significantly expand Zambia’s renewable energy capacity to address both present and future energy requirements, as the country strives to boost industrial productivity and achieve an annual copper production of over 3 million metric tonnes.

While specific details about the project were not disclosed, the initiative mirrors SkyPower’s DRC Green Giant project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which transitioned from a PPA between SkyPower and the state-owned utility SNEL to a 200-MW first phase development agreement earlier this year.

Last year, President Hichilema welcomed solar energy investments by Masdar from the UAE, emphasizing that Zambia had only developed 3,500 MW of generation capacity since gaining independence.