By Abbas Nazil
Zambia has strengthened its push toward renewable energy with the groundbreaking of a 100MW solar power plant in Chirundu, marking a major milestone in the country’s drive to diversify electricity generation and enhance national energy security.
The project, valued at $90 million, is being implemented by ZESCO’s Kafue Gorge Lower subsidiary in partnership with China Jigsco Energy Corporation and was officially launched by Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote.
The initiative includes the construction of a solar facility and a 15-kilometre transmission line designed to feed electricity directly into the national grid, forming part of Zambia’s broader strategy to expand its renewable energy pipeline to more than 1,000MW in the coming months.
Chikote said the development reflects President Hakainde Hichilema’s “New Dawn Government” commitment to accelerating clean energy uptake and building a more diversified and climate-resilient power sector.
He praised Chieftainess Sikoongo for providing land for the project and supporting the country’s wider development agenda, noting that partnerships with local leaders remain essential for the success of national energy programmes.
Located on 285 hectares about 11km from the Kafue-Chirundu Road and near the Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower station, the Chirundu Solar Plant is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits during construction and operation.
More than 600 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while over 100 permanent roles will be sustained throughout the project’s 25-year lifespan, supporting skills development and long-term employment in the region.
The government also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand electricity access, referencing the ASCENT Programme, which recently reduced rural and peri-urban connection fees from K4,846 to K300 to make grid connections more affordable for households and small businesses.
China Jigsco Energy Corporation confirmed that the solar project will be executed through a Special Purpose Vehicle to strengthen transparency, ensure timely completion within the 10-month construction window, and support local job creation.
Power China Zambia, one of the project contractors, pledged to uphold strict safety standards and maintain close cooperation with surrounding communities throughout the construction process.
ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo described the project as a vital enhancement to national energy security and an example of solar power’s role as a “quick-win” solution in complementing Zambia’s hydropower-dominated energy mix.
He explained that three possible transmission routes were assessed, and the selected route—from Mwiinga Village through Kapiri Hills—was chosen because it is the shortest, most cost-effective, avoids private land, causes no displacement, bypasses protected areas and maintains a safe distance from the Kafue River.
Loongo affirmed that the cumulative output of Zambia’s ongoing generation projects is expected to be felt nationwide by 2026, helping stabilise electricity supply and support economic growth.
Project Manager Philip Pretorius said the Chirundu Solar Plant will operate as a hybrid system to complement existing hydropower generation, while Jigsco Energy Corporation and ZESCO will implement Corporate Social Investment programmes aimed at community upliftment, including skills development and livelihood support.
The Chirundu development represents Phase One of a broader 200MW solar expansion plan, with the Ministry stating that construction signals a new era in Zambia’s energy transition anchored on public-private partnerships, job creation and a commitment to building a more reliable and diversified power system.
