The photovoltaic area of the Kabwe 100 MW Solar Project.
The transmission line of the Kabwe 100 MW Solar Project.
Zambia celebrated a major advancement in renewable energy on May 20 with the launch of the Kabwe 100 MW Solar Project, constructed by POWERCHINA.
As the largest single photovoltaic (PV) project by installed capacity in the country, it will deliver 180 million kWh of clean electricity annually, meeting the needs of 150,000 households and reducing the region's power shortages by 30 percent.
The project team, consisting of local and international workers, used innovative assembly line operations and cross-department collaboration to complete 66,000 spiral piles in 52 days and test two main transformers and 20 box transformers in 30 days, achieving zero errors.
The team also used patented methods to overcome technical challenges, completing the entire construction process - from design to commissioning - in just 10 months, 40 percent faster than similar projects.
The project created over 1,350 jobs with a 96 percent local employment rate and trained 320 skilled technicians. It also drilled wells and constructed a water retention dam to aid local agriculture. Post-completion, the construction camp will become a school and clinic, enhancing local education and healthcare.
Located in the Chisamba district of Zambia‘s Central province, this project is ZESCO's first solar initiative. It features a 100 MW solar station, a 33/132 kV step-up station, and a 2.7-km double-circuit 132 kV transmission line，and expansion of the existing substation. Its grid connection will boost infrastructure development in central Zambia, diversify the energy supply, and strengthen national energy security.
