Chisamba Solar Power Plant
The Chisamba Solar Power Plant is a 100 megawatt grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar power station in Chisamba District, Central Province, Zambia. Commissioned in June 2025, the project plays a significant role in Zambia’s efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on hydropower.
Overview & Capacity
The plant was developed by the Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation, a subsidiary of the ZESCO. It was constructed by Power China International Group and financed through a mix of equity and debt. Stanbic Bank Zambia provided a loan of US$71.5 million, while ZESCO and KNBEPC each contributed US$30 million in equity. The total investment for the first phase was approximately US$100 million. The facility has an installed capacity of 100 MW and utilizes advanced photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It is designed to supply power to an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 homes, contributing significantly to Zambia’s national grid.
Power purchase and usage
Electricity generated by the plant is sold under a 13-year power purchase agreement with GreenCo Power Services. The power is supplied primarily to First Quantum Minerals, a major copper mining company operating in Zambia. This arrangement enables ZESCO to redirect an equivalent amount of electricity to domestic consumers, helping to alleviate load shedding and improve energy reliability.
During construction, the project created over 1,200 jobs, with approximately 98% of the workforce sourced locally. It is expected to generate around 100 permanent jobs during operations. The project supports Zambia’s goals of economic development, energy security, and climate change mitigation by promoting renewable energy integration and reducing carbon emissions. The Chisamba Solar Power Plant is a flagship project within Zambia’s plan to install 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2025. A second 100 MW phase at the site is planned to further increase renewable energy production. The plant contributes to the country’s energy diversification strategy and helps build resilience against climate variability affecting hydropower generation.