Zambian renewable energy company Maamba Solar Energy has started construction of its 100 MW solar power plant, at the town of Maamba, in Zambia’s Southern province. The project was officially launched by the country’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, and is scheduled for completion by the middle of next year.

“Maamba Solar Energy have responded to the vision, to restore the stability in the energy sector and improve our energy mix,” affirmed Chikote. “Zambia depended so much on hydro and when this drought hit us, this administration, when it took over, was able to think outside the box. We started by exploring other alternative sources of energy such as the one we are doing [Monday] here at Maamba.”

The Maamba solar plant will supply energy into Zambia’s national grid. The project aligns with the Zambian government’s policy to greatly increase the amount of solar energy generated in the country (along with other non-hydro sources of power), under its Mission 300—Universal Access to Power initiative. And it will also help free the country from its current burden of loadshedding (planned rotating power cuts, due to lack of generating capacity).

“This 100 MW solar project is a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and supporting the government’s ambition to add 1 000 MW of solar capacity to the national grid,” highlighted Maamba Solar Energy director Ashwin Devineni. The plant will employ highly-efficient advanced bifacial solar modules.

The new plant will play a significant role in helping cushion the country’s economy from climate shocks and changing weather patterns. It also symbolises Zambia’s transition to renewable energy, and will reduce the country’s carbon footprint.

In parallel, Maamba Solar Energy’s sister company, Maamba Energy, is undertaking its Phase II expansion of its thermal energy plant. This will increase that plant’s capacity to 600 MW, and mean that Maamba town will have a total generating capacity of 700 MW, when both projects are completed.

“[W]e will continue putting and addressing the power deficit both in the immediate, medium and long term,” assured Chikote. “Our interest is to ensure that electricity reaches every Zambian household while supporting economic growth.”