Zambia has initiated construction on the 100 MW Chipata West solar project, aimed at providing electricity to rural communities. The project, led by the national power utility ZESCO in collaboration with private sector partners, including China Machinery Engineering Corp., is expected to be completed within 12 months, according to a statement on ZESCO’s website.

This development follows the commissioning of the 100 MW Chisama solar farm in May, which currently stands as Zambia’s largest solar facility. The Chipata West project represents another step toward expanding access to reliable, sustainable energy in underserved areas of the country.

Zambia is actively pursuing a goal to deploy 1 GW of utility-scale solar power, with more than ten projects in development, as reported by the Ministry of Energy. These efforts reflect the country’s commitment to enhancing its renewable energy infrastructure to meet growing electricity demands and support economic development.

In a related development, UK-based energy trader BB Energy launched the 25 MW Mailo solar plant in July. This merchant solar facility became the first of its kind to participate in the South African Power Pool market, contributing to regional energy trade.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Zambia’s total solar capacity reached 196 MW by the end of 2024, up from 134 MW in 2023. The Chipata West project, along with other ongoing initiatives, underscores Zambia’s focus on scaling up renewable energy to provide clean, accessible power to its communities.