Zesco, Chinese seal deal

… 3 solar power coming

ZESCO has entered in an agreement with Power China to set up three solar power plants with capacity of 600 megawatts.

Zesco Corporate Affairs Manager John Kunda said the power plants would be installed in Chibombo, Kafue and Chirundu with 200 megawatts respectively.

Dr Kunda said the project was an engineering procurement construction plus financing model.

He said in an interview that in this model the power utility company would not spend any money instead Power China would do the construction and the funding of the project.

Dr Kunda said some works had started on the construction site but the actual works for the construction the plants had been delayed due to Covid-19.

He said the projects were expected to be completed in June next year, adding that Zesco would benefit about 30 percent of power which would help to enhance generation in the country.

“This is not a loan, this is a very unique business model. Zesco is not coughing out any money because we have already an existing infrastructure. It’s the investors we are going to work with who will put up these solar power plants,” Dr Kunda said.

Dr Kunda however said the power utility company would embark on other renewable energy projects in various parts of the country.

He said the power utility company would put up Kafue lower solar plant in Chikankata in Southern Province with capacity of 100 megawatts, Shangombo solar plant, Masen wind power project in Nakonde, Muchinga Province with capacity of 150 megawatts.

Others are Kasiya geothermal project in Kaputa, Chongo geothermal project in Mpika, Kanona solar project with capacity of 200 megawatts in Serenje, Muzuma solar project in Southern Province with capacity of 200 megawatts,

Mbulumotuta hydro project in Kawambwa to generate 12.2 megawatts.

Kankonko hydro project in Kawambwa to generate eight megawatts, Mumbuluma hydro project in Mporokoso to generate eight megawatts and Kalepela hydro project in Mporokoso to generate four megawatts.

This is not a loan, this is a very unique business model. Zesco is not coughing out any money because we have already an existing infrastructure. It’s the investors we are going to work with who will put up these solar power plants.