Zambian Govt to Implement Measures to Tackle Power Crisis 1 Mining in Zambia Electricity Hydro power plant 

Zambian Govt to Implement Measures to Tackle Power Crisis

The Zambian government is introducing several interventions to address the current power crisis, according to Energy Minister Peter Kapala. These measures include the importation of diesel-powered generators and the expansion of Maamba Collieries. Minister Kapala expressed concern over the ongoing load shedding, which has been caused by reduced water levels at hydroelectric power stations. He made these remarks during a tour of the Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Power Stations alongside Water and Sanitation Minister Mike Mposha. Kapala announced that the increased load shedding schedule will be reviewed in October… Read More Here
Natural Oilfield to Replace Fortescue in DRC’s Grand Inga Hydropower Project 2 Mining in DRC Electricity Hydro power plant 

Natural Oilfield to Replace Fortescue in DRC’s Grand Inga Hydropower Project

An Australian mining company, previously led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, has stepped back from developing the world’s largest hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Felix Tshisekedi’s office announced that Natural Oilfield Services, a Nigerian oil producer, will now take the reins. The revised plan involves constructing a 7-GW facility on the Congo River, scaled down from Fortescue’s ambitious Grand Inga project, which aimed to generate around 40 GW of hydropower. Additionally, the proposal includes an aluminum foundry and a refinery capable of processing millions of tons… Read More Here
FQM WORKS WITH ZESCO TO EASE ENERGY PRESSURE 3 Mining in Zambia Copper Electricity Press Release 

FQM WORKS WITH ZESCO TO EASE ENERGY PRESSURE

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is working with ZESCO to help source imported power and enable the state utility company to reduce the burden on the national grid. As Zambia’s largest copper producer, FQM operates the Kansanshi and Trident mines in North-Western Province, making a critical economic contribution to national export earnings, government revenue and employment. The company currently buys an average of 224,000 megawatt hours of electricity every month from ZESCO, which recently invoked the force majeure clause in its power supply agreements with some mines, signalling a need for… Read More Here
ZESCO Imports Electricity Amid Drought-Induced Power Shortages 4 Mining in Zambia Electricity 

ZESCO Imports Electricity Amid Drought-Induced Power Shortages

ZESCO has announced the commencement of electricity imports to mitigate the impact of reduced capacity caused by an ongoing drought. The imported electricity will contribute 20% of the total power supply for a minimum of 12 months, according to a statement released by the power utility. Matongo Maumbi, ZESCO’s spokesperson, acknowledged potential challenges associated with the imported power. He stated that while efforts will be made to maintain existing load-shedding schedules, unforeseen disruptions may occur. However, ZESCO is committed to addressing any disruptions promptly to minimize inconvenience to customers. Maumbi… Read More Here
SkyPower Global and ZESCO Sign Landmark 1000 MW Power Purchase Agreement in Zambia 5 Mining in Zambia Copper Electricity 

SkyPower Global and ZESCO Sign Landmark 1000 MW Power Purchase Agreement in Zambia

SkyPower Global, a renowned leader in large-scale solar energy solutions, and Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) have sealed a groundbreaking 1000 MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This significant milestone is a cornerstone of Zambia’s Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, aimed at substantially boosting the nation’s renewable energy capacity to foster sustainable growth. Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, hailed the Green Giant Zambia project as a vital component of the country’s renewable energy strategy, especially amidst the current climate-induced drought. The initiative seeks to ramp up Zambia’s renewable capacity to meet present and… Read More Here
ZESCO Expands Last Mile Connection Project to Boost Electricity Access in Lusaka 6 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

ZESCO Expands Last Mile Connection Project to Boost Electricity Access in Lusaka

Amidst the ongoing challenges of load shedding, ZESCO Limited is leading efforts to strengthen community resilience in Lusaka through the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project (LTDRP). The project, which initiated its Last Mile connections on March 11th, 2024, aims to address issues within the 400V low voltage distribution network. Matongo Maumbi, Company Spokesperson, underscored the significance of this critical phase in enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the network. The initiative targets eight key townships, including Mtendere East, Chainda, Kamanga, Ngwerere, Mandevu, Garden Compound, John Howard, and Chawama, benefiting… Read More Here
Zambia's Zesco Seeks Power Imports to Mitigate Energy Deficit 7 Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy 

Zambia’s Zesco Seeks Power Imports to Mitigate Energy Deficit

Zambia’s state-owned electricity utility, Zesco, announced plans on Monday to import power in order to address an impending energy shortfall that threatens production in the nation, known as Africa’s second-largest copper producer. With 86% of its electricity sourced from hydropower stations, Zambia faces challenges due to a severe drought caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon marked by abnormal warming of the waters in the eastern Pacific, resulting in global temperature fluctuations. Zesco anticipates a power generation deficit of 700 megawatts this year, prompting negotiations for additional electricity imports. These… Read More Here
Only 44% of African Households Have Reliable Electricity Supply 8 Electricity 

Only 44% of African Households Have Reliable Electricity Supply

A new report from the Pan-African Afrobarometer Research Network, published on April 11, 2024, sheds light on the state of electricity access across the African continent, revealing significant disparities despite the presence of hydroelectric dams. Based on a survey conducted between 2021 and 2023 with a sample size of 53,444 individuals across 39 African countries, the report titled “The Electricity Gap: Small and Uneven Progress Yet to Reach Many Africans” highlights that only 44% of households enjoy a reliable electricity supply. The survey underscores considerable discrepancies among countries, with reliable… Read More Here
World Bank and AfDB Collaborate to Electrify Africa 9 International Electricity 

World Bank and AfDB Collaborate to Electrify Africa

The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have joined forces with the ambitious goal of providing electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Currently, approximately 600 million individuals on the continent lack access to electricity, hindering economic growth and job creation. Under this partnership, the World Bank aims to connect 250 million people through distributed renewable energy systems or the distribution grid. This endeavor requires an estimated $30 billion in public sector funding and presents a significant $9 billion investment opportunity for the private sector.… Read More Here
Zambia's Power Utility Declares Force Majeure on Mines' Electricity Supply 10 Mining in Zambia Copper Electricity 

Zambia’s Power Utility Declares Force Majeure on Mines’ Electricity Supply

Zambia’s state-owned power utility has issued force majeure notices regarding electricity supply to certain mines, as reported by an industry association, intensifying the strain on the copper market amidst unprecedented challenges. According to the Chamber of Mines in Africa’s second-largest copper producer, ZESCO Ltd has informed several members of the organization that it cannot fulfill its supply obligations. However, specific details regarding the affected projects were not disclosed in the statement. The market for semi-processed copper ore, commonly known as concentrates, is currently facing unparalleled tightness, with veteran traders highlighting… Read More Here

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