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The integration of regional power transmission infrastructure within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) has reportedly enabled Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) to swiftly activate its contractual arrangements with regional utilities and power generators.
CEC Chief Executive, Mutale Mukuka, shared this insight during the Zambia Spotlight panel discussion at the recently concluded Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.
He discussed how CEC responded to Zambia’s energy deficit to ensure a stable and reliable power supply, which was crucial for the country’s mining sector, reportedly the backbone of its economy.
Mukuka claimed that in 2024, CEC supported the national energy shortfall, supplying approximately 37 percent of its Copperbelt mining customers through power imports.
“This decisive action, along with contributions from other power traders, not only enhanced energy reliability but also positioned Zambia as a key player in the regional energy landscape. It reportedly underscored the need for further regional power transmission connectivity,” he said.
In addition to power imports, Mukuka outlined CEC’s investments in renewable energy, including the commissioning of a 60-megawatt (MW) solar plant in 2024.
The power generated from this plant, alongside output from other CEC plants, reportedly helped mitigate the energy deficit, further strengthening the country’s energy security.
He also addressed challenges within the transmission network, acknowledging that reduced energy flows had strained the infrastructure.
In response, Mukuka explained that CEC had undertaken urgent investments to stabilise the transmission system and ensure continued reliability for its customers.
“These investments extend beyond Zambia’s transmission backbone, including enhancements to interconnectors linking Zambia with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“However, further investments in transmission infrastructure are essential to prevent grid constraints from becoming bottlenecks in delivering reliable electricity,” he said.
Mukuka commended the government for its rapid legislative reforms in the electricity sector in 2024.
“These reforms promote greater private sector participation in both power transmission and generation, laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy industry that will drive Zambia’s economic growth,” he stated.
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