ZESCO to add 800MW solar capacity by 2025 amid improved outlook for rainfall (video)

Zambia’ power utility, ZESCO has announced that an additional 500 to 800 megawatts of solar energy capacity will be added to the main grid by the end of 2025.

ZESCO Acting Managing Director, Enerst Banda said the country’s renewable energy prospects were promising, particularly as rainfall forecasts indicate a significant increase from October through April 2026.

Speaking during a tour of the Itezhi-Tezhi Power Station by Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, Banda said the significant increase from October through April 2026 is an outlook expected to benefit hydro and renewable energy generation.

He stated that the anticipated energy capacity expansion was expected to drastically reduce the current load-shedding schedule, which has reached up to seven hours daily.

“The additional capacity will enable ZESCO to better meet electricity demand by incorporating more reliable sources that do not depend solely on sunlight or river water levels,” Banda said.

Citing the Chisamba Solar project among others, Banda said currently, several energy projects were underway to ensure a consistent power supply, reinforcing the commitment to resolving load-shedding challenges.

Banda also emphasized the importance of clear and accurate communication about rainfall trends and their implications for energy generation, noting that the shift to alternative energy sources like solar power requires time and strategic investment.

“We have managed to increase water volume utilization from 5 percent recorded last year to around 45 percent over a period, allowing for a recommended output of 50 megawatts,” he said.

Similary, Chikote assured that the government, would continue overseeing the implementation of energy projects with a view to meeting targets set for the 2025 energy season.

“I want you the media to report responsibly, factually and avoid spreading misinformation, avoid listening to noise makers especially in Lusaka over loadshading but instead engage experts and report on the substantial steps the government is taking to improve the nation’s energy sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation Head of Operations, Richard Kapilya, revealed that the Itezhi-Tezhi power station narrowly avoided a shutdown due to alarmingly low water levels in the dam.

Kapilya stated that currently the station was generating approximately 50 megawatts of electricity less than half of its installed capacity of 120 megawatts.

“The dam’s water level stands at 1,021 cubic meters per second, which falls below the minimum operational threshold of 1,030 cubic meters per second required for optimal power generation,” he said.

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