ZESCO unveils plans to implement presidential solar initiative, targets 130,000 households

The ZESCO Board has reportedly unveiled plans to implement a Rooftop Solar System and Hospital Solarisation Programme under the Presidential Solar Initiative, targeting an investment of US$500 million and benefiting 130,000 households.

Board Member, Charles Kaisala, claimed the initiatives were part of broader efforts to add 105 megawatts to the national grid.

He was speaking during a media briefing held at the Anderson Kambela Mazoka Party Secretariat in Lusaka on Tuesday.

Kaisala, who also serves as the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) Chairperson for Energy, outlined several other projects under ZESCO’s clean energy drive.

These include the Green Cities Project, expected to deliver 57 megawatts across 15 towns with an investment of US$45 million, and a Microgeneration programme aiming to contribute 270 megawatts through 24 developers.

“ZESCO has launched a hybrid three-tier generation model to inject 270 megawatts into the grid through utility-funded and micro-generation projects, while also diversifying power sources at Kariba and Kafue Gorge, including coal power initiatives,” Kaisala said.

He noted that infrastructure upgrades were also a priority, particularly interconnectors to enhance Zambia’s role in regional energy trade.

Kaisala stated that among these were the Tanzania-Zambia interconnector supported by the World Bank, and increased connectivity to Angola, the DRC, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

Read More: Energy minister, Chikote, directs ZESCO to stick to 7-hour load management schedule, as citizens, industries groan

“With about 84 percent of our electricity coming from hydropower, Zambia remains vulnerable to rainfall variability impacting water reservoirs like the Kariba Dam and Kafue Gorge,” he said.

To mitigate the country’s electricity deficit—currently producing only 330 megawatts against a demand of 1,330 megawatts—Kaisala said the government had been spending about US$60 million monthly on imports.

He claimed that the figure had now dropped to around US$20 million due to better planning and energy sourcing, particularly from Mozambique, saving the country nearly US$45 million per month.

Kaisala added that Luapula Province had been earmarked for green energy expansion, with plans to develop clean energy-backed green cities under a US$45 million investment.

He emphasized that these energy initiatives aligned with the ruling UPND’s manifesto to provide a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.