Chinese firm to construct 100 MW solar project in central Zambia

LUSAKA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's state-run power utility has selected Chinese firm PowerChina International Group Limited to build a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in the country's central district of Chisamba.

The project, undertaken by Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation, aims to enhance Zambia's power generation capacity and unlock economic opportunities for the region.

According to a statement posted on the company's Facebook page, the Chinese firm has already begun work on-site following successful environmental assessments by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency. They have completed primary clearing of 106 hectares and are currently progressing with secondary clearing and ground leveling using machinery. All project designs are finalized, awaiting final document approval from suppliers.

Minister of Energy Peter Kapala recently announced that the Zambian government is implementing short and long-term measures to mitigate the negative impact of the electricity deficit the country is facing. Among these measures is the solar project in the central part of the country, which is scheduled for completion by December this year.

Zambia is currently experiencing a power deficit due to poor rains affecting water levels in its hydropower plants. About 80 percent of the country's electricity is sourced from hydro, and the current available average generation is about 900 megawatts, significantly below the average demand of 2,400 megawatts, resulting in a power deficit of 750 megawatts as of May.