President Hichilema sets 1,000 megawatt solar energy target for 2025! President Hakainde Hichilema has set an ambitious target of 1,000 megawatts of electricity generation from solar energy by the end of 2025 as part of efforts to address Zambia’s ongoing energy deficit.
The President noted that the current power shortages can be quickly mitigated through a rapid expansion of solar energy projects and has tasked all energy sector stakeholders with working towards a broader goal of 10,000 megawatts (10 gigawatts) of solar power generation in the long run.
“As with the 3 million target for copper production, we need 10,000 megawatts for power generation. That is 10 gigawatts, and these are the targets we should be setting for ourselves,” President Hichilema said. “We must start with 1,000 megawatts this year.”
Government Engages Stakeholders to Boost Solar Power
Speaking during an energy engagement meeting at State House, attended by public and private sector players, President Hichilema emphasized the need for financial institutions to support initiatives by ZESCO and other industry players. He pointed out that improving electricity supply would not only boost economic growth but also enhance profitability for financial institutions investing in the sector.
President Hichilema
He further highlighted a local hydropower initiative in Mporokoso, developed by Chileshe Mubanga, which is currently generating 300 kilowatts of electricity. The President pledged government support to help scale up the project, potentially enabling it to supply power to the entire Mporokoso town.
Energy Minister Unveils Roadmap for Power Deficit Recovery
Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote disclosed that the Ministry has already developed a roadmap to recover from the country’s energy deficit, with an immediate focus on solar energy expansion.
Mr. Chikote stated that rooftop solar solutions are among the top priorities as they will easily contribute to net metering, allowing households and businesses to generate their own electricity and feed excess power into the grid.
He called for increased collaboration between the private sector, financial institutions, and the government to accelerate implementation of the solar power initiative.
ZESCO’s Plan to Address the 1,400 Megawatt Power Deficit
ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo revealed that Zambia currently faces a power deficit of approximately 1,400 megawatts, largely due to insufficient rainfall, which has affected hydropower generation.
He explained that the recently signed power purchase agreements and the expected commissioning of solar plants will provide an additional 500 megawatts of electricity. This, he said, will significantly reduce the impact of load shedding by the end of the year.
Additionally, Mr. Loongo highlighted the Green City initiative, which aims to expand clean energy use and sustainability efforts in Zambia. He expressed optimism that the initiative, combined with new solar power installations, will help alleviate the energy crisis.
To fully implement the planned solar projects, Mr. Loongo estimated that ZESCO would require approximately $25 million.
Why Solar Energy is Key to Zambia’s Future
Zambia has historically relied on hydropower as its primary energy source, but the effects of climate change, including reduced rainfall, have made the country’s power supply increasingly unreliable.
By investing in solar energy, the government aims to:
- Diversify the country’s energy mix, reducing dependence on hydropower.
- Address load shedding issues, improving electricity reliability for businesses and households.
- Attract investment into the renewable energy sector, boosting economic growth.
- Promote sustainability and energy security in the long term.
Private Sector and Financial Institutions Encouraged to Invest
The Zambian government is actively encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy. President Hichilema called on financial institutions to provide funding and incentives for businesses and individuals investing in solar energy solutions.
He emphasized that the transition to solar power is a national priority and that all stakeholders must work together to achieve the 1,000 megawatt target by 2025.
Conclusion
With Zambia’s energy deficit persisting, President Hichilema’s solar power expansion plan is a bold step toward energy security and sustainability.
By leveraging private sector partnerships, financial investment, and new technology, Zambia is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy development in Africa.
The successful implementation of this plan will not only reduce load shedding but also pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the country.
