Zambia Saves 56MW with EU-Backed Energy Efficiency Programme
Zambia has successfully conserved 56 megawatts (MW) of electricity—the equivalent output of a large power plant—through the European Union-funded Zambia Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transformation (ZEEST) programme, all without building new power generation infrastructure.
During a recent tour of Ndola Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary for Electricity, Mr. Arnold Simwaba, described ZEEST as a transformative initiative that aligns with the country’s energy efficiency and climate resilience goals.
“Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, ZEEST has shown that we can achieve the same impact as building a new power plant, but at a fraction of the cost and in much less time—simply by optimizing how we use energy,” Mr. Simwaba said.
The tour, attended by European Union Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, Karolina Stasiak, highlighted energy-saving upgrades at the hospital, including the installation of LED lighting. Both officials praised the improved conditions in patient wards and hospital corridors.
Mr. Simwaba also urged the hospital to consider adopting solar energy to enhance energy reliability, reduce dependency on the national grid, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Ambassador Stasiak reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Zambia’s development priorities:
“We are proud to witness real, tangible impacts on the ground. This is what development cooperation is all about—delivering lasting benefits to communities.”
Ndola Teaching Hospital’s Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr. Justor Banda, applauded the ZEEST programme for transforming the hospital’s operations.
“The improved lighting has significantly enhanced patient care, safety, and the working environment for our staff,” he said.
With an investment exceeding EUR 22 million (ZMW 550 million), ZEEST includes three components:
A EUR 1.75 million programme estimate
A EUR 8 million supply contract
A EUR 12.5 million clean cooking initiative managed directly by the EU
Key outcomes include the installation of 300 Power Factor Correction (PFC) units targeting inefficient SMEs, such as block-makers—resulting in 8.4MW in energy savings, nearly triple the initial target. An ongoing LED retrofit programme in public buildings is projected to save an additional 48MW.
In total, the ZEEST programme is saving 56MW—comparable to the energy output of a USD 56 million solar power plant or a USD 156 million hydroelectric facility.
Mr. Simwaba credited the programme’s success to collaboration among the Ministry of Energy, ZESCO Limited, NWASCO, and the National Council for Construction, and expressed gratitude to the European Union for its critical technical and financial support.
