Zambia to Add 740 MW of Solar Power as President Hichilema Pushes Renewable Energy Drive
Zambia Announces Major Solar Expansion to Combat Power Shortages and Achieve 1,000 MW Target
President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled ambitious plans to tackle Zambia’s chronic power shortages through a major shift toward renewable energy, announcing that over 740 megawatts (MW) of new solar capacity will come online within the next 12 months.
Speaking during the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, President Hichilema acknowledged the impact of electricity outages on both citizens and businesses.
“We feel the pain and frustration of power outages faced by our citizens, which include our families, friends, and loved ones. No one has been spared,” he said.
Zambia’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power, which currently accounts for 85% of the energy mix, has made the country vulnerable to climate change and drought.
Recent milestones include the 100 MW Chisamba Solar Phase-1 project and the 94 MW Copperbelt Energy Corporation Itimpi Solar Power Station. Construction is also underway on the 300 MW Maamba Thermal Power Plant Phase-2 expansion.
“The new solar projects that will be commissioned over the next 12 months will generate a confirmed total of 740 MW,” the President announced, adding that the projects span seven provinces where solar energy potential is highest.
President Hichilema also highlighted that private sector-driven projects are in development, which could push Zambia’s new solar generation capacity beyond 1,000 MW within the year.
Under the Mission-300 initiative, Zambia aims to deliver 10 gigawatts of power by 2030, improving electricity access for 300 million Africans, including 3.2 million Zambians currently without electricity.
“Clearly, tackling the challenge of load shedding is currently the top priority of this government,” Hichilema emphasized.
