The 36 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power project at the China National Building Materials (CNBM) Zambia Industrial Park has been connected to the national grid, marking an important step in Zambia’s efforts to expand renewable energy and improve electricity supply.
The industrial park is located in Chiyaya, about 19 kilometres southeast of Lusaka, and is built and managed by Sinoma Cement, one of Zambia’s major cement producers. The grid connection followed the completion of all pre-connection construction works on January 31.
According to Sinoma safety officer Paikani Banda, the solar project is a key part of the park’s strategy to reduce dependence on external electricity supplies. The facility will use Zambia’s strong solar resources and modern PV technology to provide reliable and cleaner power for industrial operations.
The solar plant will also operate together with a 7.5 MW waste-heat recovery system that is currently under construction. Once both systems are operational, they will provide a combined green energy capacity of 43.5 MW.
The integrated power system is expected to generate around 110 million kWh of electricity annually. This generation is projected to meet the industrial park’s entire electricity requirement, while any surplus power will be supplied to the national grid, supporting local electricity availability.
The project is also expected to deliver environmental benefits. It could save approximately 31,900 tonnes of standard coal equivalent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 62,400 tonnes every year.
The development supports Zambia’s efforts to diversify its electricity mix and reduce dependence on hydropower. It also aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s focus on energy reforms and reducing load-shedding.
As a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, CNBM Zambia Industrial Park is expected to continue investing in renewable energy and environmental protection, while strengthening industrial and economic cooperation between China and Africa.
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