CEC Commissions Itimpi II Solar Plant, Boosting Zambia’s Renewable Energy Capacity
Zambia Expands Solar Power: CEC Launches 136MW Itimpi II Plant to Strengthen Energy Security
The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Group has commissioned the 136MW Itimpi II Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant in Kitwe, marking a major expansion of its renewable energy portfolio and reinforcing Zambia’s transition toward a more diversified energy mix.
With the addition of Itimpi II, CEC’s total installed solar capacity rises from 94MW to 230MW.
This makes it the largest operational solar facility in Zambia and among the top three in sub-Saharan Africa.
The project was delivered in just 14 months at a cost of US$125.8 million, financed through the company’s US$200 million Green Bond issuance.
Beyond its scale, the project represents a shift in how large-scale infrastructure can be financed domestically.
By leveraging capital raised through green bonds within local markets, CEC has demonstrated the increasing depth and capability of Zambia’s financial sector to fund major development projects without heavy reliance on sovereign borrowing.
Environmentally, the Itimpi II plant is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 101,000 metric tonnes annually.
Economically, it generated 2,568 jobs during construction, with over 95% of roles filled by Zambians.
Local participation was also a key feature of the project. Fifteen domestic companies and eight local consultants including Copperbelt University were engaged, while around 1,000 workers received technical training, strengthening the country’s renewable energy skills base.
At the commissioning ceremony held on April 30, 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the project’s importance in advancing Zambia’s energy security, particularly in reducing dependence on hydropower.
“This is a significant milestone that directly supports our goal of increasing electricity generation,” he said, stressing that energy diversification is critical for economic growth and export competitiveness.
He also reaffirmed the government’s full support for private sector investment in the energy industry.
CEC Board Chairperson London Mwafulilwa described the project as a strong signal of investor confidence in Zambia’s development path, noting that its impact extends beyond infrastructure to long-term national growth.
Chief Executive Officer Owen Silavwe highlighted the project’s role in skills development and national empowerment, pointing out that thousands of Zambians contributed to bringing the project to completion.
He added that Itimpi II forms part of a broader strategy to expand renewable energy capacity and ensure a stable, sustainable power supply.
Financial sector leaders also underscored the project’s broader significance. Philip Chitalu, CEO of the Securities and Exchange Commission, noted that CEC exceeded national capital market targets by raising US$156 million, demonstrating the strength of local financing mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Mwindwa Siakalima, CEO of Stanbic Bank Zambia, praised the company’s contribution to improving power supply stability.
Jacquiline Chishimba of the Public Private Dialogue Forum commended the project for aligning with national priorities, including job creation, wealth generation, and skills transfer.
Looking ahead, CEC plans to expand its solar capacity beyond 500MW by 2027. The company also intends to channel remaining Green Bond proceeds into Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a move aimed at enhancing grid stability and making solar energy a more reliable and dispatchable power source.
