Energy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

China to Build Solar Power Plant in Zambia’s Kasempa District

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The Chinese government has announced plans to construct a solar power plant in Kasempa District, North-Western Province, Zambia, this year. The project aims to supply electricity to Chinese-owned mines in the area, reducing the impact of load management challenges on mining operations. Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zambia, Wang Sheng, emphasized his country’s interest in exploring investment opportunities in North-Western Province, particularly in the mining, energy, and agriculture sectors. Speaking during a meeting with North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, Mr. Sheng highlighted plans to establish not only the solar power plant… Read More Here

Zambia Urges Sustainable Energy Investments Amid Power Deficit

December 30, 2024December 30, 2024 Constance

The Ministry of Energy has urged investors to focus on sustainable electricity generation to address Zambia’s power shortage, worsened by climate-related low water levels. Speaking in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Peter Mumba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting energy sector investments. This call to action came during a meeting with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which plans to develop two solar power plants in Nalolo and Lukulu districts of Western Province. These projects aim to add 600 megawatts to the national grid. PS Mumba disclosed that Zambia’s electricity generation… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Energy Events & Expos

DRC Energy Consultations Set Goal to Achieve 62% Electricity Access by 2030

December 25, 2024December 25, 2024 Constance

The “DRC Energy Compact” program, centered on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) energy transition, concluded on Thursday, December 19, 2024, after two days of impactful discussions, innovative ideas, and strategic exchanges. Held under the patronage of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, the event brought together experts, government officials, and institutional actors to address the challenges and opportunities in modernizing the DRC’s energy sector. Discussions focused on financing, international partnerships, and infrastructure development to expand access to sustainable energy across the nation. Supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Energy

ZCCM-IH Invests $10 Million in Green Bond to Boost Zambia’s Renewable Energy

December 21, 2024December 21, 2024 Constance

ZCCM Investments Holdings PLC (ZCCM-IH) has announced a $10 million (approximately ZMW 275 million) investment in the second tranche of CEC Renewables Limited’s (CEC-R) Green Bond issuance. This strategic move underscores ZCCM-IH’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy and supporting Zambia’s capital market growth. The second tranche of the bond raised $96.7 million, earmarked for expanding the 60 MW Itimpi-1 solar photovoltaic (PV) plant into the 136 MW Itimpi-2 project. This initiative seeks to address Zambia’s persistent energy crisis by bolstering the country’s renewable energy infrastructure. Dr. Ndoba Vibetti, CEO of… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy

Zambia’s Energy Minister Launches 58-kW Solar Microgrid in Chama District

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance

Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has inaugurated the 58-kilowatt Manga Solar Microgrid in Chikwa, Chama District. The project, part of the Chikwa Wash Energy initiative led by World Vision, represents an investment exceeding 18.5 million Kwacha. During the commissioning, Minister Chikote highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding electricity access across Zambia. “We have a vision and a plan to ensure the continued expansion of power to serve our nation,” he stated. He also emphasized the need for the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to collaborate with stakeholders to guarantee the sustainability of… Read More Here

International Energy

Zimbabwe’s Renewable Energy Sector Boosted by $10 Million Investment

November 28, 2024November 28, 2024 Constance

Zimbabwe’s renewable energy ambitions have gained momentum with a $10 million investment from the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), finalized on August 30. The funding supports Cicada Solar Limited, a leading solar solutions provider in the country. The long-term senior debt financing will enable Cicada Solar to expand its operations, addressing Zimbabwe’s persistent energy challenges while fostering economic growth through affordable energy solutions and vendor financing programs. Cicada currently manages four active solar projects, with additional initiatives under development. Jonathan Wood, Managing Director of Cicada Solar, emphasized the importance of… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy Events & Expos

Zambia and Zimbabwe to Host 2024 Summit on Sustainable Energy and Investment Opportunities

November 16, 2024November 16, 2024 Constance

From November 18-20, 2024, the Zimbabwe-Zambia (Zim-Zam) Energy Projects Summit will convene government leaders, private investors, and energy stakeholders in Victoria Falls under the theme Powering Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Sustainable Energy Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Renewables, Grid Modernization, and Energy Access. The summit, held under the patronage of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Energy and Power Development and sponsored by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), underscores the importance of regional partnerships for energy resilience. Zimbabwe and Zambia are intensifying efforts to attract investments in renewable energy sectors such as solar, geothermal,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Energy

Soleos Energy and Melci to Build 200 MW Solar Power Project in DRC’s Haut-Katanga

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024 Constance

Soleos Energy, an Indian renewable energy developer, is partnering with Melci, a Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) electrical engineering company, to build a 200 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in the Haut-Katanga province. The $200 million project, located in the village of Fipango in Kipushi territory, aims to support the DRC’s renewable energy goals by providing clean electricity to over one million residents while contributing to economic growth and reducing carbon emissions. The solar power plant is projected to generate approximately 350 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, cutting CO2… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board Set to Announce Decision on ZESCO’s Emergency Tariff Adjustment

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 Constance

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) is expected to announce its final decision today regarding ZESCO’s application for an emergency tariff adjustment. During a public hearing on ZESCO’s application held in Lusaka on Monday, ERB Board Chairperson James Banda assured attendees that there is no political interference in the board’s decision-making process. He emphasized that the decision will be based solely on the board’s considerations of all submissions received. ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mapani clarified that the proposed emergency tariff adjustments will apply only to domestic, retail, and industrial customers, explicitly… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy

Yellow Malawi and Zambia’s RDG Collective Secure $3.25 Million for Off-Grid Solar Expansion

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 Constance

Off-grid solar companies, Yellow Malawi and Zambia’s RDG Collective, have secured a combined $3.25 million in debt financing from Acumen’s Hardest-to-Reach (H2R) initiative. The funding is aimed at expanding access to clean energy in underserved areas of Africa. Yellow Malawi, a distributor of solar home systems and mobile phones to off-grid rural communities, received $2 million, while RDG Collective, a Zambian company that provides renewable energy products, secured $1.25 million. The funding comes from H2R, a $250 million initiative that invests in off-grid solar companies working to provide energy access… Read More Here