Zambia is advancing its renewable energy capacity with the development of a landmark 60MWp solar PV facility integrated with a 20MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project, a joint venture between Zambian developer GEI Power and Turkish energy firm YEO, represents a significant $65 million investment aimed at combating the nation’s power shortages.
Spearheaded through a special purpose vehicle named Cooma Solar Power Plant Limited, the facility is being constructed in the Choma district of southern Zambia. Although development was announced in May 2024, the project is slated to achieve commercial operation by September 2025. Once online, it is expected to supply clean energy to a minimum of 65,000 households.
Pioneering Storage and Strategic Partnerships for GEI Commissions Solar and Storage Project in Zambia
Touted as Zambia’s first utility-scale solar plant to incorporate battery storage, the project has already completed its necessary feasibility, environmental impact, and grid impact studies, according to GEI Power’s Managing Director, Ignatius Anayawa. While the primary customers for the plant’s output have not been finalized, reports suggest offtakers will include the state utility, Zesco, and a major mining company.
The partnership with YEO, which will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, brings valuable international expertise. Dr. Francesca Chisangano Zyambo, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, highlighted the potential for long-term collaboration. “We also aim to leverage the engineering and battery storage expertise from Turkey to establish an assembly plant within the country,” she stated, pointing towards future industrial development.
Zambia’s Expanding Renewable Horizon with GEI Commissions Solar and Storage Project in Zambia
The Cooma project is a key component of GEI Power’s broader strategy in Zambia. The company is also in advanced development stages for the 50MW Kazungula Solar Power Plant, another solar-plus-storage project, and is planning two green hydrogen facilities in the Chinkakata and Sesheke districts.
This initiative is part of a larger national push to diversify an energy mix historically dependent on hydropower, which has become less reliable due to climate change. Attracting substantial investments is crucial for this transition. Programs like the REACH Sessions are actively working to connect public funders with private investors, creating de-risking mechanisms to stimulate growth in Zambia’s distributed renewable energy sector. Other major projects bolstering the country’s green ambitions include a 2GW solar development agreement between Masdar and Zesco and GenVision’s planned 300 MW solar project with 800 MWh of storage.
As a member of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), Zambia’s efforts contribute to strengthening regional energy security and creating a more interconnected and resilient power grid across southern Africa.
Sources for GEI Commissions Solar and Storage Project in Zambia
- GEI Power – Business Focus Magazine
- GenVision, Tatanga Energy and AMDG Energy partner to develop …
- [PDF] Zambia solar energy storage
- GEI and YEO developing solar-plus-storage project in Zambia
- April 2024 – Ministry of Energy
- GEI Power and YEO Team Up for Zambia’s First 60MWp Solar Plant …
- Zambia set for 60 MW/20 MWh of solar, storage – PV Magazine
- Developer GEI launches solar-plus-storage project in Zambia
