ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) has announced that the 100 MWac Maamba Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project in Zambia has entered its commissioning phase. The facility first injected electricity into Zambia’s national grid.
Maamba Solar Energy Limited (MSEL), a joint venture between ZCCM-IH and Nava Global PTE Limited, is developing the project. ZCCM-IH holds a 35% stake in MSEL, while Nava Global owns the remaining 65%. Nava Global serves as the international arm of India-listed Nava Limited.
The project sits in Maamba, Sinazongwe District, in Zambia’s Southern Province, alongside existing thermal power generation facilities. The project represents an investment of about US$90 million.
The solar plant uses bifacial photovoltaic modules mounted on single-axis tracking systems. The bifacial modules capture sunlight from both sides, while the tracking systems follow the sun’s movement to increase electricity generation.
The project also includes a dedicated 330 kV substation and grid connection infrastructure. The plant will supply electricity to ZESCO Limited under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which sets the terms for the sale of the electricity generated.
During the commissioning phase, the project team will test and verify the solar generation equipment and related infrastructure. The testing covers the PV modules, tracking systems, inverters, collection networks, control systems, and grid connections.
Following the initial electricity injection, the project will undergo grid synchronization, further testing, and reliability checks. The plant will begin commercial operations after completing the required technical and regulatory processes.
ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Kakenenwa Muyangwa said the project will contribute to Zambia’s electricity sector by adding 100 MW of solar generation and reducing the country’s reliance on hydropower.
The company said the project comes as Zambia faces concerns about the impact of El Niño conditions on hydropower generation. Zambia depends heavily on hydropower, making additional solar capacity important for strengthening the reliability of its electricity supply.
The Maamba Solar PV Project also supports Zambia’s plan to increase its national electricity generation capacity to 10,000 MW.
ZCCM-IH said it will continue to update shareholders and the market as the project completes the remaining commissioning stages and moves towards full commercial operation.
source:solarquarter.com
African Energy Council