President Hichilema Launches US$350 Million Solar and Battery Storage Project in Chongwe

President Hakainde Hichilema has launched 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 Hichilema said the US$350 million project is a testament to Zambia's strong relationship with cooperating partners and will be vital to enhancing power generation and stabilising electricity supply across the country.

Speaking at the launch, he noted that the project will not only power homes but also contribute to efforts to combat climate change. He 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.

The President added that inadequate power supply slows down economic activities, including value addition, stressing that the new plant will contribute to Zambia's target of 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity.

He also emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond hydro, which currently 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 strong potential, and praised ZESCO for rebuilding commercial partnerships that are helping to bring projects of this scale to fruition.