Zambia expands solar capacity to over 1 GW

Zambia has surpassed 1 GW of installed solar photovoltaic capacity, according to data from the Ministry of Energy. The country's solar capacity rose from 178 MW in 2024 to 1,027 MW in early October.

Key developments include the 100 MW Maamba solar park, built by a subsidiary of the Indian group Nava Limited, and the 136 MW Itimpi II station. Additionally, the state utility ZESCO doubled the capacity of the Chisamba solar park from 100 MW to 200 MW in July.

The expansion follows energy sector liberalization, allowing more private investment in renewables. This growth serves as a strategic response to droughts that have depleted water levels in major reservoirs and caused power shortages. Zambia aims to increase its total power generation capacity to 10 GW by 2031.