ZAMBIA will become a regional exporter of electricity once the development of new sources such as the 600 megawatts (MW) solar photo voltaic power plants are commissioned, Deputy Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Raymond Mpundu has said.
Speaking yesterday at the Zambia scaling solar bidders’ conference, Mr Mpundu said Government has prioritised energy diversification with solar power being a key priority.
He said Government will not be required to support the procurement and development of a large-scale solar power into Zesco through provision of a sovereign guarantee since the World Bank has already confirmed its support for the initial 300MW one through a partial risk guarantee facility (PRG).
The winning bidders will be responsible for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of their respective plants under 25-year power purchase agreements.