Zambia Advances Energy Security With Landmark 100 MW Solar Project In Chisamba

Zambia’s energy sector is moving ahead with a major solar power development as First Quantum Minerals plans to secure clean energy for its operations. The company is linked to a new 100 MW solar photovoltaic project in Chisamba, which has recently achieved financial closure, marking an important step for the country’s power sector.

The project is being developed by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned utility ZESCO. It is currently the largest grid-connected solar project in Zambia. To support its development, around $71.5 million in commercial debt has been arranged through Stanbic Bank Zambia, showing strong confidence from financial institutions in the country’s renewable energy potential.

A key feature of this project is its partnership structure involving GreenCo Power Services. GreenCo will purchase electricity generated by the solar plant and supply it to First Quantum Minerals for its mining operations. This model is expected to benefit the wider population. As the mining company shifts to solar power, the electricity it previously consumed from the national grid will become available for households and small businesses.

This is especially important for Zambia, where power shortages and load shedding have become common due to reduced hydropower generation. The country has traditionally depended on hydropower for more than 80% of its electricity, but droughts and changing rainfall patterns have made this source less reliable.

By investing in solar energy, Zambia is taking steps to diversify its energy mix and improve long-term energy security. The Chisamba solar project also stands out because it has been financed without direct government guarantees or public borrowing. This shows that private sector investment can play a strong role in developing large-scale renewable projects in the country.

As construction moves forward, the project is expected to strengthen Zambia’s electricity supply. It will not only support industrial demand but also help stabilize the national grid, making power more available and reliable for everyday users across the country.