Zambia turns to solar to ease blackouts and reduce dependence on hydropower
Zambia has opened its largest solar power plant to date, a 100-megawatt facility that will provide electricity to the mining company First Quantum Minerals.
The Chisamba project, built by PowerChina, is aimed at easing pressure on the national grid and cutting the country’s dependence on power imports from neighbouring countries.
President Hakainde Hichilema launched the plant on June 30, saying the move would help free up electricity for local households and businesses.
Zambia has faced growing energy challenges due to a prolonged drought that has lowered water levels and reduced the output of hydropower stations.
Speaking at the launch, President Hichilema said, “This drought has taught us that we need to urgently diversify our energy sources.”
The solar plant is expected to play a key role in stabilising Zambia’s power supply while supporting one of its most important industries.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
