Zambia’s 100 MW Chisamba Solar Plant Generates 187.69 Gwh In First Year, Strengthening Energy Security

One year after it was commissioned on June 30, 2025, the Chisamba 100 MW solar power plant has produced 187.69 GWh of electricity, performing better than expected and making an important contribution to Zambia’s electricity supply. The power generated by the plant has supported both household electricity demand and industrial activities, helping improve the country’s overall energy availability.

The project has demonstrated that large-scale solar power can play a key role in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix. The country has traditionally depended on hydropower for nearly 80 percent of its electricity generation, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in water availability. The addition of the Chisamba solar plant has helped reduce this dependence while improving the reliability and stability of the national power system.

The solar project was developed with an investment of around US$100 million. Falling global prices of solar equipment are expected to reduce the cost of future renewable energy projects. As a result, Zambia is planning to expand its solar capacity with two additional 100 MW solar plants. Each of these upcoming projects is expected to require an investment of between US$85 million and US$90 million.

Apart from strengthening energy security, the Chisamba solar plant has also delivered significant social and economic benefits to the local community. More than 55 local residents gained employment through the project. The income earned during construction and operations has enabled many workers to improve their financial condition by purchasing land, building homes, buying personal vehicles, and starting small businesses such as barbershops.

The strong first-year performance of the Chisamba solar plant highlights the growing role of solar energy in Zambia while supporting economic development and creating new opportunities for local communities.