Century Solar Africa has received 204 hectares of land from Chief Mailo in Serenje District for a solar power project designed to help address Zambia’s energy needs, diversify its power sources, and create employment opportunities.
Century Solar Africa’s Role in Zambia’s Energy Sector
Zambia is making significant strides toward a sustainable future with solar energy, and Century Solar Africa is at the forefront of this movement. In a key development for the nation’s renewable energy sector, Chief Mailo of Serenje District in Central Province handed over 204 hectares of land to the company.
Zambia solar park
The project marks a crucial step in Zambia’s plan to diversify its energy portfolio. The nation currently relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which has become less dependable as climate change causes fluctuating water levels. Adding solar capacity to the national grid will help reduce Zambia’s reliance on this traditional energy source.
Chief Mailo emphasized the solar project’s importance, noting it will not only improve the country’s power supply but also generate jobs. “This initiative will help alleviate the country’s power supply challenges while creating much-needed employment,” said the Chief.
Key Details of the Solar Project
Century Solar Africa will develop its power project in multiple phases. Each phase is expected to take about six months to complete and generate 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Once finished, the entire project will produce a total of 100 MW, significantly boosting the national grid.
With an estimated budget of $122 million, this project represents one of the most significant investments in Zambia’s renewable energy sector. The development phases are expected to create around 900 jobs, providing a major boost to the local economy—particularly in Serenje District, where employment opportunities are often limited.
The Century Solar Africa project is part of a broader Zambian effort to diversify its energy sources. The government has been actively working to integrate more renewable energy into the national power grid, with solar identified as a key area for growth.
ZESCO, Zambia’s power utility, is also making progress in solar energy. The company’s Chisamba Solar Project, currently under construction in Kafungalubala village, is set to add another 100 MW of power to the grid.
Other Major Solar Projects in Zambia
Zambia’s shift toward solar energy extends beyond Century Solar Africa and ZESCO, with other companies also investing in renewables. For instance, Ultra Green Corporation is developing a $300 million solar power plant in Serenje.
Launched by the Minister of Energy, this project aims to generate 50 MW of electricity. Like the Century Solar Africa initiative, it is expected to bolster the national power grid and support economic growth.
Together, these solar initiatives are laying the groundwork for Zambia’s renewable energy future. As the country continues to face challenges from climate change, such as lower water levels in hydroelectric dams, solar energy offers a more sustainable and resilient power solution.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Century Solar Africa project and other solar developments in Zambia promise significant benefits. Primarily, they will help meet the country’s growing demand for electricity as its population and economy expand.
In addition to boosting the national power supply, these solar projects will create vital jobs. This is particularly important in regions like Serenje, where employment opportunities are scarce. The 900 jobs expected from the Century Solar Africa project alone will provide much-needed economic relief to the local community.
From an environmental perspective, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. Unlike hydroelectric dams, solar panels are not affected by changing water levels, making them a more reliable energy source in the face of climate change.
The handover of 204 hectares of land by Chief Mailo to Century Solar Africa represents a major milestone for Zambia’s renewable energy sector. This landmark project will not only help meet the country’s growing energy needs but will also create jobs and contribute to a more sustainable future.