ERB issues 133 licenses, 32 construction permits worth over US$524 million in Q1 2024

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has reportedly issued 133 licences and 32 construction permits in the first half of 2024, amounting to over US$524 million in investments.

ERB Manager for Public Relations, Namukolo Kasumpa, announced that the 133 licences span various energy sub-sectors such as petroleum and electricity.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Kasumpa confirmed: “The issuance of licences is in accordance with the mandate given to the ERB under the Energy Act No. 12 of 2019 section 4 (a).”

Kasumpa stated that this mandate obligates the regulator to issue specialized licences to enterprises for legal operation in the provision of energy products and services in Zambia.

Regarding petroleum, Kasumpa noted that 100 licences were issued covering distribution, import, export, retail, road transportation, and lubricants, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

“In electricity, six licences were issued, contributing to increased power generation capacity, specifically a 60 MW solar photovoltaic power plant by CEC Renewables Limited and facilitating the entry of more intermediary traders,” she highlighted.

Kasumpa added that 27 licences were issued for renewable energy, including the manufacture, supply, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy equipment.

This supports the deployment of alternative power solutions and off-grid systems, as well as the production, storage, and blending of biofuels.

“Furthermore, the ERB issued 32 construction permits for the development of various energy projects, including petroleum service stations across the country,” Kasumpa said.

She also highlighted that a licence was granted for a 300 MW coal-based power plant as part of the Maamba Collieries Limited (“Maamba”)–Phase II Power Project.

Kasumpa stated that the total value of the licences and construction permits approved was US$524,352,000, with significant investments such as the Maamba 300 MW Phase II power plant and the 60 MW solar PV power plant by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Renewables Limited.

“This substantial investment not only creates direct and indirect employment opportunities but also contributes to the socio-economic upliftment of the surrounding communities,” she added.

Kasumpa said that these investments improved the availability and accessibility of energy products for consumers nationwide.

“Overall, the ERB’s commitment to streamlining the licensing and permitting process has played a crucial role in attracting investments and expediting project implementation,” Kasumpa said.

She noted that by fostering a conducive regulatory environment that promoted the integration of alternative energy sources in Zambia’s energy mix, the ERB continues to attract interest from local and foreign investors in renewable energy and LPG.

Kasumpa concluded that the efficient issuance of these licences and permits reflected the ERB’s dedication to promoting sustainable energy infrastructure investments and ensuring a reliable, diversified energy supply.

“By working collaboratively with other regulatory agencies, the ERB aims to create a strong energy landscape that drives economic growth, creates job opportunities for all Zambians and enhances the country’s energy security,” she said.

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