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Construction has begun on an $8 million solar power plant in Zambia’s Western Province, with the facility expected to add 10 megawatts of electricity to the national grid when completed, Lunzua Power Company Limited and Valinor Investments Limited said on Thursday.
The solar photovoltaic plant is being built on about 40 hectares in the Mwilima area of Mwandi District.
The plant will have an installed capacity of 11 megawatts-peak (MWp), equivalent to 10 megawatts alternating current (MWac), and is expected to generate about 22 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity a year.
According to the statement, the electricity will be connected to the national grid through an evacuation line to be constructed as part of the project, according to the companies.
The project is being financed on a 30:70 equity-to-debt basis, with the total cost including the evacuation infrastructure.
Construction is being undertaken by SANY International (Zambia) Industrial Company Limited and is expected to take six months.
Lunzua Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kasemuka, said, “This investment reflects our conviction that well-structured solar assets will meaningfully improve energy security for the people of Mwandi,” Kasemuka said.
Joel Mwale, Lunzua’s head of renewable energy, said the plant’s connection to the national grid would allow the electricity generated to be supplied to customers.
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“The evacuation line, which is being fed directly into the national grid, will help to provide power to customers and further narrow the national power deficit,” Mwale said.
Valinor Investments Director Mumamba Mwansa said the company had conducted feasibility studies before proceeding with the project.
“Our feasibility studies showed how Mwandi could benefit from solar energy, and we are delighted to have partnered with Lunzua to make it happen,” Mwansa said.
Crispin Mowa Zambwe, Leashimba and head of the Mwandi Barotse Royal Establishment Kuta, said the project was expected to provide employment for local residents.
“We are looking forward to the completion of the project. It will benefit the local community in terms of employment for our children,” Zambwe said.
Once operational, the plant is expected to generate enough electricity to supply about 4,600 households annually.
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