Government has launched the construction of a 20-megawatt solar power plant and two grid-connected solar facilities at the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) in Lusaka. The Project, which is being developed by ZESCO Limited, through its subsidiary company Kiyona Energy Limited, is part of Zambia’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on hydropower, the Energy Minister said on Tuesday. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said the project marked a key milestone in the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable energy system.
He said the project includes a 20 MW solar power plant that will feed into the national grid and two dedicated solar facilities that will supply NRDC directly, ensuring uninterrupted power for teaching, research and agricultural production. “Eighty-five percent of Zambia’s electricity generation has historically depended on hydropower, when our reservoirs were depleted by drought, it exposed the vulnerability of that model and forced us to accelerate investment in alternative energy sources, particularly solar,” Mr Chikote said. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to powering public institutions with solar energy to prevent future power crises, describing the NRDC project as a model for similar developments across the country.
ZESCO Ltd Managing Director Engineer Justin Loongo reaffirmed ZESCO’s commitment to building a resilient, affordable and sustainable energy sector, citing climate change and rising electricity demand as key drivers for increased investment in renewable energy. Mr Loongo said solar energy projects such as the NRDC plant would help reduce pressure on the national grid, improve system resilience and support long-term energy stability, especially as reliance on hydropower becomes increasingly uncertain due to changing rainfall patterns. Munali Member of Parliament Mike Mposha said the project would benefit surrounding communities through job creation, use of local skills and stimulation of economic activity.
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“These are the kinds of projects our people want to see, projects that not only produce power but also transform communities,” he said. And Ministry of Agriculture Acting Permanent Secretary Chizumba Shepande said the project would provide reliable and sustainable energy to support irrigation systems, modern laboratories and research facilities at the college. Meanwhile, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said the project reflected sound governance, strong partnerships and a commitment to sustainable national development.
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