Zambia’s 300 MW solar-plus-storage tender targets up to 300 MW solar PV with battery storage
The minimum eligible capacity for a single project is 30 MW AC, and can go up to 100 100 MW AC per project
Developers must transfer emission reduction rights under CFIP rules; projects will support Zambia’s NDC goals
The Government of Zambia has launched a tender, inviting bids to develop up to 300 MW of solar PV capacity integrated with battery storage. The initiative represents the country’s first Carbon-based Feed-In Premium (CFIP) tender window, introduced under a results-based cooperative framework with Norway.
Eligible projects must have an installed capacity of 30 MW AC to 100 MW AC, co-located with a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a minimum capacity of 30 minutes.
Upon completion, the projects will be connected to the national grid and enter into offtake agreements with Zambian national utility ZESCO or its subsidiaries.
Project developers will have up to 2 months to prepare and submit their proposals, which will be evaluated by the CFIP Steering Committee. Shortlisted projects will then undergo a due diligence process to qualify for a standardized CFIP Renewable Energy Project Contract with Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO).
Under the contract, project developers will be required to transfer all rights related to emission reductions (ERs/ITMOs) generated by the project to the CFIP. They will also not be allowed to participate in any other carbon or renewable energy certification scheme for the same project.
The tender follows a 2024 bilateral agreement between the 2 countries, under which Zambia will host projects that generate internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) for transfer to Norway. The program is expected to prioritize renewable energy projects that reduce emissions, support Zambia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC), and expand access to affordable and reliable electricity.
An online CFIP information event is scheduled for April 14, 2026, while project applications can be submitted till May 31, 2026, as per the call for proposals document.
Zambia is advancing renewable energy technologies with the aim of diversifying its energy mix and reducing dependence on hydropower. Earlier this year, the country signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Pingmei Shenma Holding and LONGi Green Energy Technology to explore the development of up to 1 GW solar power capacity in the country, according to the Zambian Energy Ministry.
This followed the Ministry of Energy opening a consultation in April 2025 to bring down the approval timeline for new solar power projects in the country from over 6 months to 48 hours (see Zambia To Clear Solar Project Approvals Within 48 Hours).
At the end of 2025, Zambia’s total installed solar PV capacity had reached 328 MW, having expanded by 135 MW last year, out of 3.53 GW total renewable energy capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).