The Solar Week Zambia 2024: Conference & Awards, organized by SolarQuarter, took place on October 10, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka. The event convened key stakeholders in Zambia’s solar energy sector for thought-provoking panel discussions, with a focus on advancing the nation’s renewable energy ambitions and addressing the challenges facing the industry.
The first panel, “Navigating the Utility Solar Landscape: Opportunities, Challenges and Funding Utility-Scale Solar in Zambia,” featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Mulenga Chanda, Country Director at Namene and a member of the Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ); Museta Daka Mbulwe, Renewable Energy Officer – Solar, Wind and Geothermal, Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy; Ana Hajduka Shields, Founder & CEO of Africa GreenCo/GreenCo Power Services Limited; Will Dryer, Managing Director of Western Solar Power; Kumoyo Vibetti, Country Director of MBHE Zambia; and Matanda Mwewa, President of SIAZ and Sales Manager at Astronergy.
Moderated by industry experts, the discussion delved into the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in Zambia’s utility-scale solar market. Key topics included the impact of the World Bank’s Scaling Solar initiative, large-scale solar projects, the importance of integrating advanced battery energy storage, and the need for a more inclusive bidding process to ensure fair competition for local and international developers. Panelists also highlighted the importance of consistent bureaucratic and political support to accelerate the development of Zambia’s solar sector.
The second panel, “C&I Revolution: Catalyzing Change in Zambia through Residential and Commercial Solar,” gathered prominent voices in the solar industry, including Zivah Waniwa, Executive Director at MBHE African Power; Katebe Chikuku, Board Member at Zambia Renewable Energy Association (ZARENA); Evelyn Gondo, Sales Manager SADC at JA Solar; Vipin Bhardwaj, Country Manager – India at SolaX Power; and Museta Daka Mbulwe from the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy.
This panel explored the evolving landscape of rooftop solar in Zambia, with a particular focus on recent mini-grid projects and the potential of rooftop solar to transform both residential and commercial energy sectors. Panelists discussed how advancements in photovoltaic technology, hybrid systems, and energy storage solutions can enhance grid stability and scalability. Additionally, the conversation touched on the significance of net metering regulations, government incentives, and innovative financing models to drive the adoption of rooftop solar solutions in Zambia.Both panel discussions provided attendees with valuable insights into the future of Zambia’s solar energy market, emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and investment to unlock the country’s renewable energy potential.
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