200 MW Solar Capacity In Zambia With Japanese Help

• In Zambia, Univergy Solar is to build two solar power plants with 200 MW capacity, as per Zambian embassy in Tokyo, reported Reuters
• Construction on both the projects with 135 MW and 65 MW capacity is likely to begin in Q1/2020
• The plants are to be built in northern Zambia and the country's copperbelt with a total investment of $200 million

Two solar power plants with 200 MW capacity in Zambia will be built by Japanese-Spanish renewable energy company Univergy Solar announced the Zambian Embassy in Tokyo, according to Reuters. Out of the 200 MW capacity, one project with 135 MW capacity will be located in northern Zambia, and another 65 MW project will be built in Zambia's copperbelt.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Univergy Solar and the Zambian government is expected to be signed in a few days post which work on projects can start in Q1/2020. The projects are expected to be completed in six to eight months.

To be built with an investment of $200 million, Univergy Solar will be required to work with a local company.

Zambia relies on hydropower generation capacity which is currently insufficient due to low levels of water. Solar PV power generation capacity will help it become self-reliant in terms of energy generation. Through the development of solar power generation capacity, Zambia is hoping to create jobs for the locals and build a domestic market.

Another Japanese company Toyota Tsusho Corporation signed a MoU with the Zambian Ministry of Energy in September 2019 along with Elsewedy Electric of Egypt to develop 100 MW PV with storage capacity by 2021 in Zambia during Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) (see Japanese Firm To Build 2×50 MW PV Projects In Zambia).

The other programs that Zambia is working on to build more solar capacity in the country comprise Scaling Solar of the World Bank and GET FiT Zambia, a partnership between the Department of Energy and German Development Bank.