Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia Addresses Energy Crisis Amidst El Niño and Climate Change

July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 Constance

Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, addressed the nation regarding the severe electricity shortage caused by El Niño and climate change. He emphasized the government’s efforts to mitigate the crisis and commended Zambians for their patience and resilience. The country’s installed national power generation capacity stands at 3,777 MW, with a current peak demand of 2,400 MW. However, as of July 2024, only 1,255 MW is available, resulting in a deficit of 1,145 MW. To bridge this gap, Zambia is importing 1,664 MW of power. Key measures implemented by the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

Zambia’s Maamba Collieries Rebrands to Maamba Energy, Doubles Power Capacity

July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 Constance

Maamba Collieries Ltd, Zambia’s leading independent private power producer, has rebranded to Maamba Energy Ltd to better reflect its core focus on energy production. This rebranding aligns with the company’s ambitious plan to double its electricity generation capacity from 300 MW to 600 MW, aiming to address Zambia’s critical power deficit. “Energy is our primary business, and the new name Maamba Energy better reflects that,” said Chief Executive Officer Lt Col Cyrus Minwalla (Retd). “Coal sales have been merely an adjunct to our core power business. As the new name… Read More Here

International Electricity

IEA Forecasts 35% Increase in Global Electricity Supply by 2025

July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 Constance

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a 35% increase in global electricity supply by 2025, up from 30% in 2023, according to its latest report published this month. The report indicates a gradual decrease in dependence on coal, which is expected to decline from 36% to 33% during the same period. Titled “Electricity Mid-Year Update,” the report highlights the significant role of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power in this energy transformation. Their combined share in the global electricity mix is anticipated to rise from 13% in 2023 to 15%… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Mining in Zambia

DRC Faces Energy Deficit, Relies on Imports from Neighbors

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) relies heavily on electricity imports to support its mining sector and overall economy. During a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Communication and Media on Thursday, Minister of Water Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba Muba, discussed the challenges and potential solutions to address this growing dependency. Dr. Teddy Lwamba Muba, an electromechanical engineer and former Deputy Director General of the National Electricity Company (SNEL), highlighted the stagnation in the country’s electricity production since 1982. “The history of electricity production in the DRC effectively… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity

DRC’s Mining Sector Consumes 1,400 MW, Generating $35 Billion GDP

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining sector consumes 1,400 MW of electricity, contributing $35 billion to the country’s GDP. This information was shared by Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba Muba, during a press briefing on July 18, 2024, alongside Communication and Media Minister Patrick Muyaya. Lwamba highlighted that mining is a significant economic driver, stating, “For every 1 MW produced, approximately $20 million is generated in GDP.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing energy allocation to the industrial sector to boost production. Lwamba outlined the government’s strategic… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy Electricity

Zambia Urges Mining Companies to Double Power-Saving Efforts Amid Severe Drought

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

Zambia has requested mining companies, operating in Africa’s second-largest copper producer, to double their power-saving measures to 40% of their normal demand due to the worst drought in decades impacting hydroelectric power generation. Zesco Ltd., the state-owned power utility, has asked operators to either increase their power curtailments or source emergency power independently starting this month. First Quantum Minerals Ltd., which is responsible for over half of Zambia’s copper output, confirmed this request. Zesco did not respond to a request for comment. First Quantum has managed to cover more than… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Hydro power plant

Maamba Collieries Limited Announces New 300 MW Power Plant Project

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 Constance

The Board of ZCCM Investments Holding Plc (ZCCM-IH) has announced that Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) has successfully reached an agreement with its anchor lenders to secure financing for the construction and installation of an additional 300 MW power plant, known as the Phase II Project. MCL has solidified its commitment to this project by signing a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ZESCO Limited, Zambia’s national electricity utility company. This agreement will ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the Phase II Project. Maamba Collieries Limited has a rich history,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy Green Energy

Zambia Promotes Solar Energy Adoption to Mitigate Electricity Challenges for SMEs

July 7, 2024July 7, 2024 Constance

To address the disruptions caused by electricity load shedding, the Zambian government is actively promoting the adoption of solar energy among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to enable businesses to maintain operations smoothly even during power cuts. Hon. Elias Mubanga, MP, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, is leading this effort. He emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses through reliable and sustainable energy solutions like solar power. “We want to ensure small businesses can thrive, even in the face of power outages,” Mubanga stated. “Solar… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity News in Brief

Copperbelt Energy Corporation to Address Mining Power Shortfall with Imports

July 7, 2024July 7, 2024 Constance

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Group Chief Executive Officer Owen Silavwe announced that imported power will start flowing next month to address the significant shortfall in the mining industry, which is estimated to be between 20% and 30%. Zesco has declared a force majeure on the mining sector, retracting 20% of the energy previously supplied to the mines. In response, CEC stated last month that it had signed contracts with the mining companies it serves to supply the power deficit through imports. During the Energy Indaba held last week in Lusaka,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Energy

First Cogeneration Plant in DRC Ushers in a New Era of Clean Energy

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has achieved a milestone with the inauguration of its first cogeneration plant, which can produce 140 kilowatts of electricity. The plant was officially opened on Tuesday, June 24, 2024, in Yangambi, located more than 100 km from Kisangani in the Tshopo province. This marks a historic moment for the country. According to information from ACP, this pioneering plant uses biomass to generate electricity. Developed by the International Forestry Research Center (CIFOR), the plant was handed over to the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INERA)… Read More Here