Image: Michael Pointner, Unsplash
SkyPower Global has signed a 1 GW PPA with state-owned companies utility company Zambia Electricity Supply Corp. (ZESCO). That’s what the Canadian solar developer said the Green Giant Zambia project will provide electricity to approximately 4 million households, create jobs and support infrastructure development.
“The Green Giant Zambia initiative is a monumental step towards a sustainable future,” said Michael Perst, Ccountry manager and special advisor to SkyPower. “By leveraging cutting-edge solar technology and our collective expertise, we are poised to dramatically transform Zambia’s energy landscape, making it a model for sustainable energy development worldwide.”
The PPA has been announced as a key part of Zambia’s Integrated Renewable Energy Plan, which aims to develop renewable energy sources including solar, wind and hydropower. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said the deal is a crucial part of this plan, especially because of the current problem of droughts due to climate change.
“This initiative aims to substantially increase our renewable capacity to address both current and future energy needs as Zambia strives to increase industrial productivity and fulfill our target of achieving more than 3 million tonnes of annual copper production,” said Hichilema.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Zambia’s installed solar capacity stood at 124 MW at the end of 2023. In February, ZESCO launched an engineering, procurement and construction tender for a 7.5 MW solar power plant.
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