Southern African country, Zambia, has given approval for the construction of a 50MW solar plant and other energy-related projects to boost electricity supply in the county.
In a statement on Tuesday, Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) said the project operated by state power utility, Zesco Limited, is part of 21 licenses given to indepedent power producers.
“The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved twenty-one (21) Licence applications and nine (9) Construction Permits in the Petroleum, Electricity and Renewable energy sub-sectors,” the Board said in a statement.
The Board stated that the approvals represent a total investment commitment of $206 million (ZMW 4.8 billion).
“The 21 approved licences cover a wide range of energy activities aimed at increasing access to efficient energy services and promoting technological innovation across the country,” Kasumpa said in the press statement.
The approvals follow the Board’s approval of 43 energy licenses and construction permits worth $159 million just last month.
It forms part of Zambia’s commitment to slash approval periods for solar power projects in the country.
Details of the approved energy licenses
The Board approved nine licenses for the manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable energy generating equipment.
In addition, four licenses were approved for the road transportation of petroleum products, while three licenses were for the distribution, import and export of petroleum products.
The Board also approved two licenses for electricity generation and trading.
In addition, one license each was granted for the importation, packaging, blending, distribution, and export of lubricants.
Other approvals include a license for the production of biofuels and another for the wholesale marketing of petroleum products.
Details of electricity infrastructure and renewable energy construction permits
Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc is advancing several infrastructure projects to strengthen Zambia’s power transmission network.
These include a 1.5 km, 11 kV overhead transmission line from the Ndola Refinery to HGS, along with the establishment of an 11/0.4 kV HUA Gang Steel Substation.
The company is also constructing a 6.9 km, 66 kV line to Chilanga Cement Ndola and a corresponding 66/11 kV, 15 MVA Chilanga Substation, as well as two 220 kV Maposa–Twapia transmission lines and a 220/66/11 kV substation.
In the renewable energy space, Shibuyunji Solar Limited is building a 50 MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Shibuyunji District, while Innovent Garneton North Solar Limited is developing a 20 MW solar PV plant in the Garneton area of Kitwe.
Meanwhile, Lubambe Copper Mine Limited is setting up a 7.2 MW diesel generator power plant to enhance energy reliability for its mining operations.
