Zambia has taken a decisive step toward a greener future with the commissioning of a 121.8kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system—complete with 125kWh battery storage—at the Ministry of Energy’s headquarters in Lusaka.
Spearheaded under the Presidential Solar Initiative, the project is a strategic response to the crippling 2024 drought, which disrupted hydropower generation—Zambia’s primary source of electricity. The move signals a major shift in the country’s energy strategy toward sustainable, climate-resilient alternatives.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote hailed the installation as a landmark achievement. “This rooftop solar system is more than a technical solution—it’s a bold declaration of our commitment to lead the clean energy transition,” he said. “It sets a new standard for government institutions.”
Valued at K6.8 million, the project was designed and executed entirely by Zambian engineers, highlighting the country’s growing capacity for homegrown innovation in the renewable energy sector.
The solar system powers the Ministry’s daily operations, with surplus electricity fed back into the national grid via net metering—effectively turning ZESCO into a backup provider. Prior to the switch, the Ministry relied heavily on diesel generators, spending up to K68,000 per month on fuel alone.
This transition is expected to drastically cut operational costs, improve energy security, and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy solutions across the public sector.
Engineer Arnold Simwaba, Permanent Secretary for Electricity, underscored the Ministry’s leadership role. “We are not just shaping policy—we’re putting it into action. This installation is proof of our resolve to lead by example.”
The initiative aligns with Cabinet Office Circular No. 13 of 2024, which mandates all government institutions to adopt rooftop solar systems to ease demand on the national hydropower grid and strengthen energy resilience.
Minister Chikote urged other public entities to follow suit: “This is a model for replication. Embracing renewable energy is no longer optional—it’s vital for our energy future.”
As Zambia confronts the twin challenges of climate change and energy insecurity, the project stands as a powerful symbol of progress—driven by local talent, bold policy, and a vision for a sustainable future.
