Zambia Successfully Concludes $2 Billion Solar Power Development Pact With UAE

Zambia and the United Arab Emirates have signed a $2 billion agreement to build solar plants that will increase Zambia’s energy generation base by more than half. The agreement was made during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023 and is part of Zambia’s efforts to diversify sources of sustainable energy and to reduce dependency on hydroelectric power.

ZESCO, Zambia’s state-owned power utility, and Masdar, a UAE government-owned renewable energy company, aim to generate 2,000 megawatts of power through solar projects, according to President Hakainde Hichilema’s Facebook page.

President Hichilema also said that construction would be undertaken in stages, beginning with a 500-megawatt installation. He assured followers, “This is not a loan but a capital injection in which the Zambian people, through Zesco, will be partners in shareholding”.

Energy Minister Peter Kapala also announced yesterday that the Maamba Collieries’ 150 megawatts generator is expected to begin feeding into the national grid again today after a period of maintenance.

Zambia has an installed electricity generation capacity of 3,500 megawatts. Four of the country’s five large power stations are hydroelectric, and consistently low water levels in the Kariba dam have led to blackouts. Zambia is currently exploring energy alternatives after these recent issues.

After finalising the agreements, President Hichilema added, “We look forward to the actualization of more of such engagements and projects”. New Dawn continue to demonstrate their commitment to expanding Zambian infrastructure while promoting sustainable energy sources.