Zambia held a ground-breaking ceremony for the 100-MW Siavonga solar project, which is aimed at boosting national power supply and tackling the challenges affecting local hydropower production, among other merits.
Zambia breaks ground on 100-MW Siavonga solar farm. Image source: Ministry of Energy of Zambia.
The USD-80-million (EUR 68.4m) project is led by JIGSCO Energy Corporation Limited, a joint venture between Zambian national power utility ZESCO and Jigsaw Investments. Power China has been hired as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
The Siavonga solar farm is expected to start commercial operation by December 2026. Aligned with Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan and the National Energy Policy of 2019, it is expected to contribute to eliminating power cuts in the country, opening new jobs, and encouraging local economic activity.
“The project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to translating policy into bankable investments that diversify the energy mix, build resilience against climate variability and guarantee reliable electricity supply for economic growth,” Arnold Simwaba, permanent secretary of electricity, said, speaking on behalf of the Zambian energy minister.
(Renewables Now)
