Zambia Commissions 136 MW Itimpi II Solar Plant To Strengthen Renewable Energy Capacity

The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has officially commissioned the 136 MW Itimpi II Solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Kitwe, Zambia, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector. The project, which cost around US$125.8 million, was completed within 14 months and has now become the largest operational solar power plant in Zambia and the third largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the commissioning of Itimpi II, CEC’s total solar generation capacity has increased from 94 MW to 230 MW.

The development comes at a crucial time for Zambia, as the country continues to face challenges linked to its heavy dependence on hydroelectric power generation. Frequent droughts and changing climate conditions have affected water levels at hydroelectric plants, leading to unstable electricity supply in recent years. The new solar plant is expected to help diversify Zambia’s energy mix and improve energy security by reducing dependence on hydropower.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the importance of diversifying the country’s energy sources. He stated that reliable and sustainable energy is necessary to support industrial growth, economic development, and long-term competitiveness. The government sees renewable energy investments as a key solution to Zambia’s growing electricity demand.

Apart from strengthening the power sector, the Itimpi II project has also generated significant socio-economic benefits. During the construction phase, the project created 2,568 jobs, with more than 95 percent of the positions filled by Zambian workers. CEC also partnered with 15 local companies and eight local consultants, including Copperbelt University, for various stages of the project. Around 1,000 local workers received technical training and gained valuable skills in renewable energy technologies, helping to build local expertise for future green energy projects.

The financing of the project was supported through a US$200 million Green Bond initiative, from which US$156 million was successfully raised. The achievement demonstrates the growing capability of Zambia’s domestic capital market to support large-scale infrastructure development without increasing sovereign debt levels.

From an environmental perspective, the solar plant is expected to offset nearly 101 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, supporting Zambia’s climate and sustainability goals. Looking ahead, CEC plans to expand its solar portfolio to more than 500 MW by 2027. The company also intends to invest in Battery Energy Storage Systems using the remaining Green Bond proceeds, allowing solar energy to be stored and supplied even when sunlight is unavailable, helping provide stable and reliable clean energy for Zambia’s future industrial growth.