Zambia Launches 100MW Chipata West Solar Plant to Boost Clean Energy and Cut Power Shortages
The Zambian government has officially broken ground on the 100-megawatt (MW) Chipata West Solar Power Project, a major renewable energy investment expected to ease electricity shortages and drive socio-economic development in Eastern Province and beyond.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Chief Chinyaku’s chiefdom, Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr.
Lewis Mwape, delivering a speech on behalf of Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, described the project as a “beacon of progress” under President Hakainde Hichilema’s New Dawn administration.
The launch comes less than two months after the commissioning of a similar 100MW solar facility in Chisamba.
“This project will provide clean electricity to surrounding communities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
It reflects our President’s vision for a fully electrified Zambia with solar energy at its core,” Dr. Mwape said.
The Chipata West project forms part of the government’s Solar Explosion Initiative, which aims to boost renewable energy production, expand access to affordable electricity, and cut Zambia’s carbon footprint.
ZESCO has already rolled out solar projects in Chisamba and Serenje, with more planned nationwide.
The government highlighted several key reforms that are fueling growth in the energy sector:
Net Metering Regulations (2024): Allowing 190 customers to feed 10MW of surplus solar power into the national grid.
Electricity Open Access Regulations (July 2024): Opening Zambia’s electricity market to private sector participation.
Affordability has also been prioritized through the National Electricity Advancement Transformation (NEAT) Programme, which has slashed electricity connection fees from K4,864 to just K300, with the Rural Electrification Authority covering the balance.
“This means families and small businesses that could not previously afford power can now switch on their lights,” Dr. Mwape emphasized.
ZESCO Chief Operations Officer Peter Chamfya reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy, confirming collaboration with the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to deliver the Chipata West project within 12 months.
Once completed, the solar plant will supply power to households, schools, health facilities, and businesses across Eastern Province.
In his closing remarks, Chief Chinyaku welcomed the investment and the job opportunities it will bring, particularly for young people.
He urged residents to safeguard infrastructure from vandalism, warning that such actions would undermine development intended to uplift local communities.
