ERB Approves K4.5 Billion in Energy Investment Pledges
The Energy Regulation Board has approved 32 licences, 16 construction permits and a range of licence amendments, attracting investment pledges totalling K4.5 billion (US$253 million) towards energy service delivery and infrastructure development.
Speaking at a media engagement on Thursday, ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa said the approvals spanned the electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors, reflecting broad-based growth across the energy value chain.
She said the approvals had been granted following a meeting of the ERB Licensing Committee held on 15 June 2026, and demonstrated sustained investor confidence in Zambia's energy sector. The decisions also underscored the effectiveness of the regulatory framework administered by the ERB in facilitating compliant and sustainable energy investments.
On downstream petroleum infrastructure, Ms Kasumpa said the Board had authorised the construction of 12 retail service stations and approved the commissioning of four additional retail service stations and one petroleum storage facility. She said these developments would expand compliant petroleum infrastructure and improve access to petroleum products across the country.
The Board also approved the inclusion of 76 petroleum transportation fuel tankers, which Ms Kasumpa said would strengthen the petroleum supply chain, enhance national distribution capacity and support security of supply.
In the renewable energy subsector, the ERB approved a licence for photovoltaic power generation and authorised the construction of four solar plants with a combined capacity of 126 MWp. Ms Kasumpa said the approvals supported sustainable energy systems in line with national energy policy objectives.
She said all licences and permits had been issued under the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Ms Kasumpa said the ERB remained committed to regulating the energy sector in the public interest, with a sustained focus on compliance, operational efficiency, consumer protection and long-term sustainability.