Smart solar energy storage Zambia

Why is solar power important in Zambia?

Right now, Zambia mainly depends on hydropower, due to the large dams generating electricity in the country. Droughts made this electricity source less dependable and combined with the increase in electricity demand a new renewable source is desirable. The growth in solar power is therefore of great value and goes beyond just the energy sector.

Who owns 50 MW of solar power in Zambia?

In 2022, the Southern, Western, and Luapula provinces of Zambia’s Zambia Electricity Supply Corp. (ZESCO) have issued a call for tender for the development and construction of 50 MW of PV facilities, 90% of the infrastructure will be owned by the selected developer, and the other 10% will be held by the state-owned utility, ZESCO.

Does Zambia have a solar market?

The Zambian solar market is growing, although it is still relatively small in comparison with countries like Tanzania. 95% of the electricity supply in the country comes from hydropower, where less than 1% comes from other renewable sources. Since the electricity demand in Zambia is growing, there is much room for solar to grow as well.

How much electricity does Zambia produce a year?

The Zambian electricity grid has ready-made energy storage infrastructure at Kariba Dam. Kariba Dam typically stores approximately 5750 GWh of electrical energy or about 30% of Zambia’s annual generation of 19,400 GWh in 2022.

How many solar companies are there in Zambia?

At the moment, there are around 29 solar companies with a licence in Zambia. Due to the announced (private) financing opportunities, the market is expected to grown more the upcoming years. Therefore, it is very likely new solar companies will arise and access to electricity will increase.

What percentage of solar energy is used in rural areas?

This is reflected in the current percentage of solar use in rural areas compared to urban areas. Only 0.8% of the lighting systems in urban areas get their electricity from solar systems. For rural areas, this is 7.4%. Luckily, the government is supporting the sector in its growth.