Chisamba Solar Power Plant
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| Chisamba Solar Power Plant | |
|---|---|
| Country | Zambia |
| Location | Chisamba District, Central Province |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | July 2024 |
| Commission date | June 2025 |
| Construction cost | US$100 million |
| Owner | KNBEPC (subsidiary of ZESCO) |
| Operator | ZESCO |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 100 MW |
The Chisamba Solar Power Plant is a 100 megawatt (MW) 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.[1]
The plant was developed by the Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation,[2] 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.[3] The total investment for the first phase was approximately US$100 million.[4] The facility has an installed capacity of 100 MW and utilizes advanced photovoltaic (PV) 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.[5]
Power purchase and usage
Electricity generated by the plant is sold under a 13-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with GreenCo Power Services. The power is supplied primarily to First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a major copper mining company operating in Zambia.[6] This arrangement enables ZESCO to redirect an equivalent amount of electricity to domestic consumers, helping to alleviate load shedding and improve energy reliability.[7]