ZESCO’s 100 megawatt Chisamba Solar Project is offering a glimmer of hope to power stricken Zambians who for the past one week have been plagued by 21 hours of load shedding.
Situated in Kafungalubala village, Chisamba district, this project is part of the utility’s strategic efforts to diversify its energy sources, shifting from an over-reliance on hydroelectric power to building a more climate-resilient power system.
Recently, Zambians have faced extreme hardships as a result of load shedding, enduring up to 21 hours a day without electricity, with only three hours of power in between.
This severe shortage has crippled industries, strained households and stifled economic growth.
The load shedding crisis, which has been exacerbated by unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting the hydro electric dam has forced many businesses to close temporarily or operate at minimal capacity, while households have struggled to meet basic needs such as cooking, lighting and staying connected.
The Chisamba Solar Project is one of government’s medium-term solutions aimed at alleviating this power deficit.
This project marks a significant step toward achieving energy security in a country where 90 percent of power generation is derived from hydro electric sources which are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as droughts.
As of the third of last month, significant progress has been made where a 120-hectare plot has been cleared and infrastructure developments are well underway.
The fence has been installed, the main road to the plant has been constructed and drainage systems are under development.
ZESCO stated that the foundations for the photovoltaic field transformer have been excavated and concrete pouring for the transformer foundation has been completed.
This project, which has already created 230 jobs, is being funded by ZESCO’s subsidiary, the Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation.
Once completed, the 100 megawatt solar plant is expected to provide a substantial boost to Zambia’s power supply, offering a much-needed relief for Zambians who have endured prolonged blackouts.
The Chisamba solar facility is part of a broader vision to diversify Zambia’s energy mix and reduce the country’s dependence on vulnerable hydroelectric dams.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 5, 2024
