Investments in power generation will make Zambia energy secure - Ncube

By BARNABAS ZULU

ZESCO board chairperson Vickson Ncube says the massive investment being undertaken in the energy sector will make the country energy secure and transform it into a destination for investment and industrialisation.

Commenting on the various solar and thermal power projects that Zesco is undertaking across the country in partnership with stakeholders, Mr Ncube said the projects were aimed at increasing generation capacity and eliminating economic disruptions that have hitherto been caused by power deficit.

“The President (Hakainde Hichilema) has set out ambitious and measurable goals. Zambia must become a 24-hour economy. It must achieve 10 million metric tonnes of maize, grow its power generation to 10, 000 megawatts, attract five million tourist arrivals, and achieve three million metric tonnes of copper, three million metric tonnes of soya beans, and one million metric tonnes of wheat and one billion dollars’ worth of beef export.

The 10, 000 megawatts underpin all the other goals. This is the driving force behind these projects,” he said.

Mr Ncube said the new dawn administration’s focus on energy infrastructure development would ensure that industries, businesses and households had a reliable supply of electricity.

He said projects such as the Rusangu Solar Power Plant, Evergreat Thermal Power Plant, Giouli Power Plant, Chipata West Solar Plant, Sunshare Solar Project in Mumbwa, Ezra Thermal Power Plant, Chisamba Phase Two Solar Project, Muzuma Solar Project, L85 Solar Project in Lusaka West, and the Mailo Solar Power Plant in Chitambo were part of measures to diversify the country’s energy mix.

Mr Ncube said the continued investment in renewable energy, alongside thermal power generation, would strengthen Zambia’s energy security and support economic growth.

“The investments that we are making in the energy sector are not only about solving the current power challenges, but are also about preparing Zambia for increased industrialisation and attracting investment,” Mr Ncube said.

He said increasing electricity generation capacity was critical as the country seeks to expand mining, manufacturing, agriculture and other productive sectors.

Mr Ncube said Zesco would continue working with local and international partners to develop more energy projects across the country.

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