Zambia to build solar energy plants

Government plans to set up solar power plants in all thermal powered districts in North-western province.

Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) North-western Regional Manager, Isaac Kambangu confirmed that the Ministry of Energy plans to set up solar plants to beef up power in the diesel powered districts.

Mr. Kambangu said the solar power plans are to set up three megawatts station in Kabompo, two megawatts station in Zambezi, Mufumbwe and Mwinilunga districts respectively and one megawatt in Chavuma district.

He said ZESCO was very much in support of the project because it will enable the electricity company to supply power to its customers in the districts on a 24 hour basis.He said the current scenario is that ZESCO cuts electricity supply at mid night.

Mr. Kambangu said whatever power will be generated from the solar power plants will be sold to ZESCO which will subsequently supply to customers in the targeted districts.

Meanwhile, Zambezi ZESCO branch manager, Stanley Chikopa told the District Development Coordinating Committee last Friday that the contractor has since visited at the solar power plants construction site.

http://www.lusakatimes.com/2013/02/07/government-to-build-solar-power-plants-in-nwestern-province/