State power utility ZESCO and Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company today announced the commissioning of two units of 60 MW each of its 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi hydro Power Project in Zambia, in which Tata Power has a 50 percent stake.
The synchronisation of both the units was completed in January, 2016. The JV partner ZESCO wishes to celebrate commissioning of the Itezhi Tezhi Power Project by inviting Edgar Lungu, the President of Zambia, to dedicate it to the nation.
The 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi Power Project is situated on the Itezhi Tezhi Dam.
The initial purpose of the Itezhi Tezhi Dam, constructed in the 1970s, was to serve as a reservoir for the Kafue Gorge power station.
However, due to an acute power deficit in the late 2000s, the Zambian Government revived its plans to construct a hydro power plant in close proximity to the dam site.
The 120 MW project was, therefore, selected as a viable brownfield solution to address the power shortage in Zambia, and the Itezhi Tezhi Power Corporation (ITPC) was incorporated in 2007.
It is a first of a kind public private partnership (PPP) in the power sector in Zambia, and is currently owned by Tata Power and ZESCO on a 50:50 basis on a 25 year BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) concession term.
ZESCO is the sole off-taker of power from the ITT power plant.
Speaking about the commissioning, Tata Power Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Anil Sardana said, “We are delighted to announce the commissioning of both the units of the Itezhi Tezhi hydro power project. It is a major milestone for us as this takes us a step forward to make our international footprints stronger. Through this project, we hope to create value for the people of Zambia by maximising our shareholder value. We would like to thank ZESCO and IPTC team for their support in setting up this project.”
How come power cuts are getting worse? Zambia is a weird country where official news never ties in with reality on the ground. A govt that lies to its citizens about power, food, fuel, jobs, inflation, foreign debts etc is a sheer waste of time.
That’s investing in production, congratulations. Not building roads in Chawama, Garden, Matero, olympia, woodlands, Nyumba Yanga, lilanda, Kabulonga etc and some cadre tells me ati we have seen masssive development, when you are actually using kaloba with no idea how you will pay it back.
Another sad news for UPND and HH.
why? because loadshedding continues despite this news?
That’s the problem we have, we want to politicize everything. Development is development, it should be done to uplift the economy and lives of citizens, NOT as a tool to shame or mock UPND. HH would not be here 100 years from now, Zambia and Zambians will. That mentality of hate is what bleeds violence in the political arena. Look at the opposition as partners.
Why because the project was started by MMD ?
Thanks LT for all the news but it would be good sometimes to refer to your previous articles on the same subject.A few weeks ago you reported that only 30MW was flowing from one of the 60MW turbines due to low water and that the other 60MW awaited completion but may not be generate till water levels recovered. Has the last 2nd turbine been completed and have the water levels recovered to generate all the envisaged 120MW? Are the transmission lines to the national grid in place?It would be good to put all these into perspective to as to help readers understand if this development will in any way have some impact on reducing load shedding! In fact government should remove planned stations such Kalungwishi from delaying investors,joint fund with serious ones to quickly solve the power…
The ground breaking ceremony and agreement for the implementation of this project was launched by Rupiah Banda in September 2011. Check the archives. This is not the ‘baby’ of the PF government.
Continuity demands that the sitting President does the honours, but it would be nice to invite RB to attend the ceremony as a sign of recognition of his governments contribution.