JOHN CHAAMBWA
Lusaka
IN LINE with Government’s continued efforts to secure sufficient energy supply, construction of a 20MW solar power plant has been commissioned at Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) in Lusaka.
Government, in collaboration with Kiyona Energy and other partners, commissioned the project, which includes a dedicated 2MW NRDC grid-connected solar power plant.
At the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote used the event to give assurance that the country will not return to the era of prolonged load-shedding.
Mr Chikote said the ongoing investments in alternative energy sources are now sufficiently addressing the electricity supply challenges previously experienced.
He said the diversification of the energy mix through solar power is strengthening national energy security.
“It is also enhancing resilience against climate-related shocks that have constrained hydro-power generation in recent years,” the minister said.
Mr Chikote said the solar power project demonstrates Government’s resolve to translate policy commitments into tangible infrastructure that supports sustainable development.
The contractor, Taiho Limited, said construction of the solar power plant, which started in November 2025, will be completed in March this year.
And while acknowledging that hydro power has served Zambia well for decades, Mr Chikote said climate variability has underscored the urgency to diversify the energy mix, with solar energy emerging as a strategic pillar under the New Dawn administration.
“This project will create jobs, stimulate skills transfer, and contribute meaningfully to national grid power supply.
“It will also inspire confidence among investors that Zambia remains open, ready and committed to renewable energy investment,” Mr Chikote said.
Zesco managing director Justin Loongo described the project as a powerful example of what strategic partnerships can achieve, citing the collaboration among Zesco, Kiyona Energy Limited, Taiho and NRDC.
The Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary, represented by director Chizumba Shepande, said the project will strengthen climate resilience programmes while elevating NRDC into a hub for renewable energy-driven agricultural education.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said recent droughts provided important lessons on the need for energy security
and sustainable development.
Mr Kabesha urged stakeholders to ensure that energy projects are supported by prudent and well-structured contracts that deliver value for money, safeguard national interests and promote long-term sustainable development.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said the solar plant is being developed on land previously used as an illegal dumping site.
Mr Mposha, who is Munali lawmaker, said the project has already improved hygiene and environmental conditions in the area….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/
