President Edgar Lungu has directed the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to accelerate all other solar projects which are in the pipeline.
Speaking on Monday when he officially commissioned
the 54 megawatts solar photovoltaic plant for the Bangweulu Power Company Limited in the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, President Lungu said he was looking forward to commissioning more solar projects in various parts of the country.
President Lungu said developing solar energy projects was the only sure way to enhancing economic activity in all parts of the country. He said the Bangweulu project represents what collaborated efforts can achieve, and that commitment shown by the key institutions involved should be a model to facilitate private sector growth.
In addition, the Head of State directed ZESCO Limited to position itself and become the principal facilitator of private sector investment in energy generation.
President Lungu said the private sector has shown great appetite to invest in power generation such as coal, solar, wind and hydro.
He said electricity holds the key to unlocking the country’s economic potential as well as improving the livelihoods of people.
The 54 megawatts solar photovoltaic plant for the Bangweulu Power Company Limited is the first large – scale solar power plant to be commissioned in Zambia. It is a partnership between the IDC and Neon of France.