Energy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

President Hichilema Launches 300MW Maamba Power Plant Expansion

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Constance

Maamba Energy Ltd and Zambia’s energy sector celebrated a significant milestone as President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the Phase Two expansion of a 300MW thermal power plant at a groundbreaking ceremony in Maamba. This project is crucial for meeting Zambia’s energy demands and enhancing regional energy trade. Maamba Energy Ltd, a joint venture between ZCCM-IH (35%) and Nava Bharat (65%), is dedicated to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions for the country. President Hichilema urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project, underscoring its importance for Zambia’s… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

Kariba Dam Repairs Near Completion, Promising Relief for Energy Shortages in Zambia and Zimbabwe

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Engineers at the Kariba Dam have successfully completed repairs to the structure’s plunge pool and have begun refilling it with water. Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote announced that repairs to the dam are now 75% complete, a significant development for Zambia’s energy sector. During a visit to the dam on Wednesday, the minister stated that the plunge pool repairs represent a crucial step in addressing the energy shortages affecting both Zambia and Zimbabwe in recent months. The dam, jointly operated by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, generates 2,010 MW… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

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

Mining in Zambia Energy Oil & Gas

Zambia Approves K2.46 Billion Investment in Energy Sector

July 21, 2024July 21, 2024 Constance

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in Zambia has approved thirty-four license applications and five construction permits within the renewable energy and petroleum sub-sectors. These approvals, totaling an investment of K2.46 billion (US$98.4 million), were granted during the July licensing committee meeting. ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa announced that thirty-five applications were reviewed, with one license application being rejected due to non-compliance with safety standards and regulations. “The stringent licensing process demonstrates the Board’s commitment to promoting investment and growth in the energy sector while maintaining strict adherence to safe… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy Infrastructural Development

DRC Plans to Enhance Energy and Water Supply Infrastructure

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) currently has an electrical energy capacity of 2,800 Megawatts (MW), but only 2,100 MW are utilized, according to data shared on Thursday, July 18, 2024, by Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity, Teddy Lwamba Muba. The information was provided during a press briefing co-hosted with the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe. Minister Lwamba outlined the government’s strategy to improve water and electricity supply, emphasizing a multi-phase approach. “The electricity sector in the DRC is growing and developing. Today, we have an… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy Oil & Gas

DRC’s Oil and Gas Exploitation Faces Backlash Amid Global Shift to Renewable Energy

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 Constance

As the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a project to exploit its oil and gas blocks, initiating calls for tender since July 2023. Despite committing to global environmental standards, this move has sparked controversy. According to environmental organizations, activating these oil and gas blocks contradicts the DRC’s agreement to protect the Congo Basin tropical forest, an agreement that secured $500 million in international investments over the first five years. Congolese authorities maintain that all international recommendations to limit climate… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Partnership

Zambia Partners with Power China to Address Energy Crisis

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Constance

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a partnership with Power China to tackle Zambia’s pressing energy crisis. A delegation led by Group Executive Vice President Jason K. Liu recently met at State House to solidify plans for collaborative efforts in energy, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The partnership focuses on constructing small to medium-sized power plants to swiftly address the country’s energy shortages, exacerbated by El Niño-induced drought. Three implementing teams from Power China are set to arrive in Zambia shortly, emphasizing a proactive approach to enhancing the energy, water, and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

DRC Ministers Discuss Financing for Key Energy Projects

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Constance

In a bid to revitalize the energy sector, a crucial pillar for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s development, Minister of Finance Doudou Fwamba Likunde and Minister of Hydrological Resources Teddy Lwamba met on Sunday, July 7, 2024, to discuss the financing of impactful rapid projects. The ministers reviewed major initiatives such as the Grand Inga project, undertaken in partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as other significant projects like Katende, Kakobola, and Tshopo II. “It is essential to invest in this sector. We… 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