Century Solar Africa has received 204 hectares of land from Chief Mailo in Serenje District for a solar power project to address Zambia's energy needs. This project will help diversify the country's energy sources and create employment opportunities.
Century Solar Africa’s Role in Zambia’s Energy Sector
Zambia is making major strides towards a sustainable future with solar energy, and Century Solar Africa is leading the charge. In a pivotal moment for the country’s renewable energy efforts, Chief Mailo of Serenje District in Central Province handed over 204 hectares of land to Century Solar Africa.
Zambia solar park
The project marks a crucial step in Zambia's journey to diversify its energy sources. Currently, the nation relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which has been impacted by fluctuating water levels caused by climate change. By adding solar energy to the national grid, this project will help to reduce Zambia’s dependence on traditional energy sources.
Chief Mailo emphasized the importance of the solar project for Zambia, noting that it will not only improve the country's power supply but also create employment opportunities. "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
The solar power project by Century Solar Africa will be carried out in multiple phases. Each phase is expected to take about six months and will generate 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Once the entire project is completed, it will produce a total of 100 MW of power, significantly boosting the national grid.
The estimated budget for the project is $122 million, making it one of the most significant investments in Zambia’s renewable energy sector. During the development stages, the project is expected to create around 900 jobs. This is a major win for the local economy — particularly in Serenje District — where job opportunities are often limited.
The Century Solar Africa project is part of a broader effort by Zambia to diversify its energy sources. The government has been actively working towards integrating more renewable energy into the national power grid. Solar energy — in particular — has been identified as a key area for growth.
ZESCO — Zambia’s power utility — has also been making progress in solar energy. The company’s Chisamba Solar Project is currently under construction in Kafungalubala village. The solar project aims to add another 100 MW of power to the grid.
Other Major Solar Projects in Zambia
Zambia’s shift towards solar energy is not limited to Century Solar Africa and ZESCO. Other companies are also investing in renewable energy. For instance, Ultra Green Corporation is developing a $300 million solar power plant in Serenje.
This project — launched by the Minister of Energy — aims to generate 50 MW of electricity. Like the Century Solar Africa project, it is expected to boost 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 solution.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Century Solar Africa project and other solar developments in Zambia will bring multiple benefits to the country. First and foremost, they will help to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity. As Zambia’s population and economy grow, so too does its need for reliable energy.
In addition to boosting the national power supply, the solar projects will create jobs. This is particularly important in regions like Serenje, where employment opportunities are limited. The 900 jobs expected to be created by Century Solar Africa 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; this makes 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. The solar power project will not only help to meet the country’s growing energy needs but also create jobs and contribute to a more sustainable future.