Zambia is taking a major step to enhance electricity supply by planning distributed solar and battery storage systems across the country. The government aims to install approximately 2.3 MW of solar power along with a 4–4.16 MWh battery system in each of Zambia’s 156 constituencies, addressing power shortages caused by prolonged dry spells affecting hydropower generation.
Zambia’s electricity system is already heavily reliant on renewable energy, with an installed capacity of about 3.9 GW, of which nearly 87% comes from renewables. Hydropower dominates the mix, contributing roughly 93% of renewable generation, while solar accounts for about 6%. In 2023, the country generated 19,522 GWh, with renewables contributing 89% and non-renewables the remaining 11%. Heavy reliance on hydropower, however, has made the system vulnerable to climate-related risks, occasionally forcing electricity rationing.
To diversify its energy mix and improve resilience, Zambia is prioritising solar energy as a fast and practical solution. The 100 MW Chisamba solar PV plant serves as a recent example of large-scale solar deployment. Building on this success, the government is now focusing on smaller, distributed solar projects that can be quickly deployed and integrated into the existing grid.
The initiative is being implemented through an Expression of Interest (EOI) program launched by the Zambia National Energy Corporation (ZNEC), which was established to execute the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative. Using redirected Constituency Development Fund resources, alongside other funding sources, ZNEC is inviting qualified companies to handle engineering, procurement, and construction of 2.3 MW solar PV plants, each paired with a 4 MWh battery storage system.
Once implemented, the plan will deliver a total installed solar capacity of around 359 MWp and nearly 649 MWh of battery storage, distributed across all constituencies. By locating the solar plants near existing substations or distribution lines—primarily at 11 kV or 33 kV levels and within 5 km of connection points—integration costs will be minimised, and grid stability enhanced. The batteries will also provide additional services, including energy balancing and backup support.
ZNEC is majority-owned by ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc, with the remainder held by the government through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. With electricity access already reaching approximately 81% of the population, the initiative is expected to further improve power supply, support local development, and enhance energy resilience across Zambia. It could also serve as a model for other countries in the region seeking to expand distributed renewable energy solutions.
