Government Pursues Energy Resilience, Unveils 24 Projects for Implementation
The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has identified and prioritized 24 strategic energy projects totaling 2.5 Gigawatts for implementation. This initiative aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency and increase electricity access to 66% of the population, a crucial step towards realizing the country's energy goals.
PDU Delivery Manager for Projects, Cuthbert Munankwenka, revealed that a consensus was reached after collaborative discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy, Energy Regulation Board (ERB), Rural Electrification Authority (REA), and ZESCO. According to Mr. Munankwenka, the projects in question comprise the 120 Megawatts (Mw) GET FiT initiative, the 200Mw Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) plant, and the 100Mw Chisamba solar plant.
“The 180Mw Nangoye Falls Hydro Electrical Power (HEP), the 300Mw Mamba phase 2, the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) interconnector, 400Mw hybrid wind and solar power plant by Mphepo power among others are also being prioritized,” he said.
Mr. Munankwenka emphasized that the completion of these projects will significantly enhance Zambia's energy sustainability, aligning with the country's objectives for the foreseeable future. He noted that several projects have been in development for over a decade but have yet to be realized. However, Mr. Munankwenka expressed optimism, citing a strong appetite in the energy sector that bodes well for expediting the implementation of the 2.5 Gigawatt energy projects.
“The PDU wants to create sufficient electricity as well as increased access to electricity to improve and provide a quality life for the citizens; but, the country is exposed to risks of over-dependence on hydropower,” he said.
Zambia has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, with only 27% of the population having access to electricity.
However, Mr. Munankwenka, the PDU Delivery Manager, expressed optimism that this figure can be increased to approximately 66% within the next seven years.
"We are hopeful that our work in the mini-grid space, combined with collaborations with cooperating partners and grid extension efforts, will help increase access to electricity among Zambians," he stated. To address the current energy crisis, the government is implementing robust policy measures, including the promotion of alternative energy sources, regulatory changes, and tax incentives.