Maamba Power Plant expansion nears financial closure, paving way for construction

ZAMBIA’s Maamba Collieries Power Plant’s expansion project is nearing a significant milestone as it is expected to reach financial closure by the end of June.

This, according to Energy Minister Peter Kapala, will pave the way for immediate construction.

The 300-megawatt expansion project is a key step in Zambia’s plan to ensure long-term energy security and address electricity shortages.

In a ministerial statement to parliament yesterday, Kapala said the project is one of the long and medium term measures constituted to ensure that the country’s energy sector is secure thereby mitigating the deficit of electricity.

“Plans are under way to develop the 300 megawatts power plant. We anticipate that Financial closure will be reached by 30 June 2024 and the construction is expected to commence,” he said.

“On long term and medium projects madam speaker, the renewable energy expansion…implementation of a 120 megawatts portfolio of solar PV power projects under the global energy transfer fee tariffs are nearing financial close and we anticipate that the construction will commence this year.”

Furthermore, the minister disclosed plans to expedite the development of the 271 megawatts Luapula Hydropower Project on the Luapula River is also underway.

Meanwhile Kapala clarified that the recently approved open access to electricity does not mean unbandling of Zesco.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, June 22, 2024