Chief Mailo Hands Over 204 Hectares to Century Solar Africa for Renewable Energy Project in Serenje
In a significant step towards addressing Zambia’s energy needs, Chief Mailo of Serenje District in Central Province has handed over 204 hectares of land to Century Solar Africa for the construction of solar facilities. The ambitious project is aimed at integrating solar power into the national grid, contributing to Zambia’s ongoing efforts to mitigate its energy deficit and diversify energy sources.
Chief Mailo emphasized the transformative potential of the project, stating, “This initiative will help alleviate the country’s power supply challenges while creating much-needed employment.” The project, with an estimated budget of $122 million, will be executed in phases, each lasting approximately six months and generating 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Once fully operational, the project is expected to produce 100 MW, providing a significant boost to the national power grid. Additionally, the project is projected to create around 900 jobs during its development.
The solar project in Serenje joins a growing list of solar energy initiatives in Zambia, which is moving towards renewable energy to reduce reliance on hydroelectric power. ZESCO, Zambia’s power utility, is also making strides in solar energy with its Chisamba Solar Project. This 100 MW project is well underway in Kafungalubala village, contributing to the government’s broader efforts to establish a more climate-resilient and sustainable energy system. Like the Serenje solar initiative, it is part of Zambia’s medium-term energy diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce dependency on traditional hydroelectric sources by harnessing solar power.
Furthermore, other major solar projects in Zambia, such as the Ultra Green Corporation’s $300 million Serenje Solar Power Plant, have laid the groundwork for significant advancements in the country’s renewable energy capacity. This particular project, launched by the Minister of Energy, aims to generate 50 MW of electricity and is expected to catalyze economic growth and energy security.
These developments align with Zambia’s strategic objective to enhance energy security, especially in light of the challenges posed by climate change, which has impacted water levels in the country’s hydroelectric dams. Solar energy presents a sustainable and resilient alternative, making Zambia less vulnerable to the effects of fluctuating water resources.
The successful implementation of these projects will not only help meet the country’s growing energy demands but also foster economic development through job creation and improved energy reliability. As Zambia continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the contributions of projects like Century Solar Africa’s and ZESCO’s Chisamba initiative demonstrate the country’s commitment to achieving its energy diversification goals.
With over $422 million invested in solar power across various regions, Zambia is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy in southern Africa. This shift promises to drive the nation towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future, ensuring a stable power supply for years to come.
Where is all this energy going? The people all over the country seem to be inconvenienced when it comes to load shedding. How come this government only talks about the Kariba water levels being the source of load shedding when Zambia already has a diversified energy portfolio? Zambia and Zimbabwe share the Kariba dam, is anyone asking if Zimbabwe is also facing the same load shedding hours or should we start calling this a conspiracy to defraud Zambia?
African man is curse. 204 hectares for solar?
Only 1 hectares is enough for 100 mega watts.
You are thinking producing electricity is only meant for white people to do it. It’s easy thing to do.
I think you’re the only one capable of answering your questions. You’re the only one who can understand the questions. No sense.
“ As of 2021, Zimbabwe’s installed electricity generation capacity was approximately 2,540 MW, with about 1,400 MW coming from thermal power plants and the remainder from hydropower plants, including the Kariba Dam. However, due to a combination of factors such as climate change, ageing infrastructure and equipment breakdowns, actual electricity generation is often much lower than this capacity, resulting in power cuts and load shedding.”
Our biggest Thermal plant generates less than 250 MW. Didn’t you see HH pushing the Indians to finish the other 250Mw project??? Napsa invested in the same thermal plant project. By next 2026, Zambians will be throwing away electricity ku chishala because will have a lot of it…..kikiki.
2026 Will still see loadshedding that is for sure
only us Africans believe there is an over night cure
How has South Africa solved it? They are now exporting power to us
“Hands Over”?? You sure he has handed over? This is not a communist country. Things arent handed over since 1991. Whats the deal. Pali $122 million apa ka. Dig!
Kikikikiki kuti waseka…”in a significant step”….corruption has now spread to our villages…..just making alot of noise and nothing will happen and the chief received his brown envelope and local villagers displaced….in short they’re just looking for emerald in Serenje
This Electricity crisis is affecting the entire African continent and i think African countries should stop their begger mentality….We always rush to the west and east for handouts and we think the West east will develop our continent on our behalf…get rid of corruption and begger mentality
It’s actually a very technical issue. Who’s advising Chief Mailo? If only chiefs could learn lessons!