Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema attends the inauguration ceremony of the 100 MW emergency solar project in Kabwe.
The 100 MW emergency solar facility in Kabwe.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema attended the inauguration ceremony of the 100 MW emergency solar project on June 30 in Kabwe, constructed by POWERCHINA.
The president unveiled the project. The event was also attended by Zambian Minister of Energy PeterMakozo Chikote, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia Wang Li, and other government officials and representatives.
President Hichilema said that the grid connection of the Kabwe Solar Project marks a crucial step for Zambia in achieving its ambitious goal of 1,000 MW of solar power generation.
He praised the collaboration between POWERCHINA, ZESCO, and other players, noting that the project exemplifies the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Zambia.
The project is expected to bolster local economic development, enhance social welfare, and play a vital role in environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions. It holds significant implications for Zambia's efforts to combat climate change, stimulate economic growth, and achieve energy diversification.
Counselor Wang emphasized the project as a testament to the enduring friendship and robust bilateral relations between China and Zambia. She reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Zambia in reaching its solar energy targets and expressed optimism for deepening the China-Zambia partnership and achieving more fruitful outcomes in bilateral cooperation.
This solar project is Zambia's largest single photovoltaic installation and is expected to generate 180 million kWh annually, meeting the electricity needs of 150,000 households and alleviating the region's power deficit by 30 percent.
The project will also provide substantial support for industrial, agricultural, and mining development in Zambia's central region, contributing to a more diverse energy supply and enhanced national energy security.
