CEC to Add Over 800 MW of Solar Power to Zambia’s Grid by 2027 Amid Hydropower Shortfalls
Zambia’s CEC Targets 800+ MW Solar Expansion by 2027 to Offset Hydropower Deficit
Zambia’s Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) plans to add more than 800 MW of solar energy to the national grid by the end of 2027, significantly expanding the country’s renewable energy portfolio.
This initiative supports Zambia’s national goal to diversify its energy mix and address hydropower shortfalls caused by climate change.
Historically, Zambia has relied heavily on hydropower, particularly from the Kariba Dam. Under normal conditions, the country’s share of generation from the dam is around 3 GW, exceeding its national demand of approximately 2.5 GW.
However, prolonged droughts and declining water levels in the Kafue and Zambezi River catchment areas have drastically reduced hydropower output. As a result, Zambia is currently experiencing a power deficit of around 1.3 GW.
CEC’s solar initiative will play a critical role in closing this gap while keeping the country’s power generation green and sustainable.
Among CEC’s key near-term solar projects are:
Itimpi Solar Plant (136 MW) in Kitwe,
Fitula Solar Plant (12 MW) in Chingola,
both of which are scheduled to begin operation in the first quarter of 2026.
In addition, CEC is progressing on a 25 MW Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariff (GETFiT) solar project, expected to reach financial close by the third quarter of this year.
The centerpiece of CEC’s renewable energy strategy is a 500 MW solar power project co-developed with Zambia’s national utility, Zesco. The project will be executed in two phases of 250 MW each:
Phase 1 is expected to reach financial close before the end of 2025.
Construction will begin immediately after financial close, with commissioning targeted within 12 months, making the project operational by the end of 2026.
“Bankable feasibility studies—including site selection, grid connection, and environmental and social assessments—are currently under way,” said CEC Renewables Asset Manager Hilton Fulele in an exclusive interview.
“We have a fast-track execution approach. Once we reach financial close, we aim to deliver the project within 12 months.”
CEC’s current power generation portfolio includes 94 MW of solar energy and 80 MW of diesel-fueled backup turbines, which provide emergency power to mining operations—its primary customer base—in both Zambia’s Copperbelt and the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
CEC is listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange and is a member of the Southern African Power Pool.
The company recently showcased its renewable energy ambitions at the Africa Energy Forum held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
