The Chisamba solar plant is a landmark 25.7 MWp solar facility located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Lusaka, Zambia. As the first utility-scale solar plant developed by a private investor in the country, it marked a significant turning point in Zambia’s energy strategy. The plant is owned by Bweengwa Solar Farm Limited, a subsidiary of Scatec, and was constructed with an investment of $26 million, a figure that highlights the scale of such projects, which you can explore further in a solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown.
Features of the Zambia Solar Plant
The Chisamba solar plant features an impressive array of 46,000 solar panels. The complex solar panel manufacturing process behind these components is a testament to modern engineering. The facility operates under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with ZESCO, Zambia’s state-owned utility. Annually, the plant is expected to generate 56 GWh of clean electricity, sufficient to power around 11,000 Zambian households.
This pioneering project is supported by a 20-year PPA with ZESCO under the country’s successful GET FiT program. The World Bank Group was instrumental in its realization, providing a $2.8 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to help finance construction.
Furthermore, to mitigate investment risks, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provided crucial political risk insurance to Scatec. This coverage, protecting up to $13 million of equity investments for 20 years against risks like expropriation and breach of contract, significantly improved the project’s bankability and attracted investor confidence.
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Economic and Environmental Benefits of the Zambia Solar Plant
The Chisamba Solar Plant plays a vital role in strengthening Zambiaโs energy security. It helps reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on hydropower, which has become increasingly vulnerable due to recurrent droughts. By diversifying the country’s energy mix, the plant not only provides a stable power source but also contributes to reducing national greenhouse gas emissions.
Zambia’s electricity deficit has surged from 300 MW in 2021 to over 1,000 MW in 2023, leading to widespread power outages that affect both daily life and economic activity. The Chisamba solar plant directly addresses this challenge by injecting reliable, clean energy into the grid and displacing fossil fuel-based alternatives.
โZambia has a great potential for solar power generation, and we are proud to be contributing to the countryโs energy transition,” said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec. “The Chisamba Solar Plant is a significant milestone for Scatec and for Zambia, and we look forward to developing more renewable energy projects in the country.โ
Future Prospects for the Zambia Solar Plant
The Chisamba solar plant was a foundational project that paved the way for Zambiaโs ambitious journey in renewable energy. While it was a trailblazer, the nation’s solar landscape is rapidly expanding. The government’s commitment to increasing the share of renewables is evident in the wave of new projects now underway across the country.
This momentum is demonstrated by the development of facilities like the 60MW CEC Itimpi Solar Plant in Kitwe and the planned 100 MWp Ngwenya Solar Project, which is set to become one of the country’s largest. Furthermore, Zambia is embracing technological advancements with its inaugural solar facility equipped with battery storage, a critical step for grid stability. Growth is also being driven by initiatives like Century Solar Africa securing 204 hectares for new developments.
The success of these projects reflects a maturing market, which is detailed in the comprehensive Zambia solar panel manufacturing report. The Chisamba plant stands as a testament to the immense potential of solar power in Zambia, proving how clean energy can effectively address energy challenges and steer the nation toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
If you are inspired by Zambia’s solar revolution and wish to deepen your understanding of the technology behind it, consider enrolling in our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
