Kafue Gorge Lower Solar Project Marks Major Step Toward Zambia’s Clean Energy Future
Zambia Breaks Ground on Kafue Gorge Lower 100MW Solar Project to Boost National Energy Security
Zambia’s ambition to strengthen long-term energy security has received a major boost with the groundbreaking of the Kafue Gorge Lower 100MW Solar Project in Sikoongo Chiefdom, Chirundu District, Southern Province.
The initiative features a 100MW solar power plant, a 33/330kV substation, and a 15-kilometre transmission line connecting the facility to the Kafue Gorge Upper grid. Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Justin Loongo said the project will supply clean and reliable electricity, stimulate rural development, create jobs, and attract additional investment.
He noted that three possible transmission routes were evaluated before choosing the most efficient and least disruptive option.
“The preferred route from Mwiinga Village through Kapiri Hills is the shortest, most cost-effective option. It avoids private land, requires no displacement, stays clear of protected areas, and maintains a safe distance from the Kafue River,” he said.
Eng. Loongo reaffirmed ZESCO’s commitment to building a resilient, modern energy network aligned with the Government’s reform agenda under President Hakainde Hichilema, which aims to make Zambia one of the region’s most competitive energy markets.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said the project is a significant move toward sustainable energy security.
“This is a project that will change livelihoods. The progress we are making in the energy sector has been made possible through the New Dawn Government’s bold reforms,” he said.
Project Manager Philip Pretorious added that the facility will complement existing hydropower generation and strengthen Zambia’s overall energy supply.
“This hybrid project is designed to support the hydropower dam. Jigsco Energy Corporation Limited, together with ZESCO, will invest in corporate social initiatives to uplift communities through skills development and employment,” he explained.
The Kafue Gorge Lower 100MW Solar Project is a joint venture between ZESCO and Jigsco Energy Corporation Limited, representing another milestone in Zambia’s shift toward a diversified and climate-resilient energy mix.
