President Hakainde Hichilema has launched the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Chongwe District.
The solar project, to be situated at Kyindu Ranch along Leopards Hill Road, will be constructed by Globeleq in partnership with ZESCO Limited.
President Hakainde Hichilema said the US$350 million project, is a testament to Zambia’s strong relationship with cooperating partners and vital to enhancing power generation as well as stabilising electricity supply in the country.
Speaking at the launch, President Hichilema noted that the project will not only power homes but also contribute to efforts of combating climate change.
The President further emphasised the need for collaboration with independent power producers and energy traders to ensure a constant power supply to critical sectors such as mining.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that Zambia develops, so let us create a conducive environment for investors, especially in the energy sector,” he said.
President Hichilema added that inadequate power supply slows down economic activities, including value addition.
President Hichilema said the project contributes to Zambia’s target of 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity.
He emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond hydro, which accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s electricity.
“We never knew before that this sun could give us 250 megawatts and now we know,” he said.
President Hichilema added that wind is another element of the energy mix, noting Eastern Province’s high potential.
He praised ZESCO for rebuilding commercial partnerships.
“This government is not forcing ZESCO to trade at a loss, we are encouraging ZESCO to rebuild this partnership and engage in commercial transactions,” he said.
The President further said the investment would create jobs and stimulate related businesses, adding that energy is essential for mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, said the investment addresses Zambia’s energy challenges, which have affected various sectors of the economy.
She said the United Kingdom is proud to support Zambia’s vision for a cleaner and more resilient energy system, adding that projects such as the Leopards Hill solar plant demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships in unlocking sustainable growth.
She added that once completed, the project will position Zambia as an energy hub in the region and an attractive destination for investment.
And Globeleq Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Hoffman, said the project will include a 250-megawatt solar plant and a 600-megawatt battery energy storage system.
Mr Hoffman thanked the Government for putting in place favourable legislative policies that have enabled private sector participation in power generation.
Leopard Investment Company Chairman, Carl Irwin, said Zambia is proud to host a world-class renewable energy project.
“Having farmed this land for generations, we are now privileged to harness the power of the sun, contributing to clean energy and supporting Zambia’s economic growth,” he said.
Mr Irwin added that the Leopards Hill solar project marks a transition from agriculture to clean, renewable energy production.
Meanwhile Zesco Board Chairperson, Vickson Ncube said the project demonstrates Government’s commitment to diversifying energy sources from hydro to solar power.
Mr Ncube added that ZESCO has finalised its 2026-2035 strategic plan aimed at expanding transmission lines and substations to support increased power generation.
At the same event, President Hichilema met Chief Chikwanda of Mpika and Chief Kafwimbi of Isoka who implored government, to expedite the process of establishing a similar project in the province.
