Zambia s proportion of new energy and solar container

How much electricity does Zambia produce?

Zambia has 2,800 MW of installed electricity generation capacity, of which 83 percent is from hydro, nine percent from coal, five percent from heavy fuel oil, and three percent from solar. The mining sector is the country’s largest power consumer, using 51 percent of total generated electricity, followed by the domestic sector at 33 percent.

How much solar power does Zambia have?

Zambia’s installed solar capacity is 89 MW. Zambia has two utility scale solar power plants: French company, Neoen, and U.S. company, First Solar, own and operate the 47.5 MW Bangweulu Solar Power Station in Lusaka, of which the Zambian government holds a 20 percent stake through its Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Does Zambia need a new energy source?

LUSAKA, April 1, 2025 – Access to electricity in Zambia has risen from 30% in 2017 to currently nearly 50%. Whilst half of the population is connected, the remaining half will require new energy solutions. Zambia currently relies on hydropower for 80% its electricity generation, but recent droughts have shown the limitations of this energy source.

Will Zambia increase its solar power capacity by 2030?

The Zambian government has set a target to increase its installed solar and wind capacity to 600 MW by 2030. However, the current installed capacity for solar photovoltaics is only 90 MWp, indicating significant underutilisation of Zambia's potential in the renewable energy sector.

What percentage of Zambians have access to the national power grid?

Only 43 percent of Zambians have access to the national power grid (67 percent of urban residents; and 14.5 percent of rural residents). ZESCO, a vertically integrated parastatal utility, operates government-owned power stations, and is responsible for maintaining and installing transmission lines and distribution networks.

What is the energy sector in Zambia?

ZAMBIA’S ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW Zambia’s energy resources include electricity (hydropower), petroleum, coal, biomass and renewable energy. It is only petroleum which is wholly imported in the country. The Energy Sector in Zambia consists of three main sub-sectors namely: Electricity, Renewable Energy and Petroleum. ELECTRICITY SUB-SECTOR