The Copperbelt Energy Corporation says it remains on track to exceed 300 megawatts of solar energy generation by the end of 2027, citing ongoing investments and projects at various stages of development that are expected to come on stream beginning next year. CEC chief financial officer Mutale Mukuka said the company had continued to expand its renewable energy portfolio through both operational assets and new developments, with a focus on strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable operations. Mukuka said CEC had already commissioned two solar power plants that were contributing to its current generation capacity.
These include the 60 megawatt Itimpi Solar Photovoltaic Power Station in Garneton, Kitwe, which was commissioned in 2024, and the 34 megawatt Riverside Solar Plant, both of which are fully operational. He said the two facilities were financed through CEC Renewables, a subsidiary of the utility, using proceeds from a US$200 million green bond. Mukuka said the bond had enabled the company to make progress in scaling renewable energy projects while aligning with sustainability objectives.
According to Mukuka, CEC currently has 94 megawatts of solar capacity in operation and a further 173 megawatts under development. He said the largest component of the projects under development was the expansion of the Itimpi Solar Project, which is expected to add approximately 136 megawatts to the grid in 2026. In addition to the Itimpi expansion, Mukuka said the company had a 25 megawatt solar project nearing financial close and a further 12.5 megawatt project already under construction.
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He said these projects were also scheduled for commissioning in early 2026. Mukuka said that once the projects under development were combined with existing operational assets, CEC’s solar portfolio would reach close to 270 megawatts, placing the company within reach of its 300 megawatt target. He said further project announcements were expected in 2026 to push the company beyond the target threshold.
He described the year 2025 as challenging from a business perspective, noting that the company had operated in an environment characterised by limited energy availability. Mukuka said despite these constraints, CEC had continued to supply customers and navigate operational challenges associated with power shortages. Mukuka said CEC viewed itself as a sustainability partner to its customers and had set strategic objectives aimed at long-term energy reliability.
He said renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic generation and battery storage technologies, would remain central to the company’s future investments. CEC Renewables, the group’s renewable energy arm, is focused on advancing solar photovoltaic projects alongside battery storage solutions to support grid stability and enhance power availability during peak demand periods. Mukuka said the company’s continued investment in solar energy reflected its commitment to addressing energy supply challenges and positioning itself to meet future demand. He said further details on upcoming projects would be announced as development milestones were reached.
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