Lusanje Power secures 8million Rand for energy project, targets 2024 completion date

Lusanje Power Limited has embarked on the development of 25 Megawatt (MW) off grid solar project located at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ).

This project is a partnership between LS-MFEZ Limited and Serenje (Pty) Limited, a Zambian-led independent power developer and producer based in South Africa.

Lusanje Power Limited, a Zambian-led Independent Power Producer, has therefore secured 8,000,000 South African Rand development funding for the energy project.

The funding is being utilised to complete full feasibility studies which are currently ongoing and scheduled for completion in March 2023.

The development of 25 MW off grid Solar project will proactively contribute towards the resolution of the ongoing energy crisis being experienced in the country, LS-MFEZ limited Manager Corporate Affairs Alice Schultz said.

Schultz explained in a statement issued in Zambia’s capital Lusaka on Tuesday that the Lusanje Project would initially produce 25 megawatts of power channelled from solar energy and that it was set to scale up to 50 megawatts once fully operational.

“This is a timely development as our country is facing a looming energy crisis which heavily relies on hydro power. The initial 25MW will assist in alleviating current load demand and lead the charge in Zambia’s objective to reduce reliance on HEP generation.

“The development phase of the project is now fully funded and pending key approvals from the relevant authorities, which will allow for Lusanje to conclude funding discussions with finance institutions for the construction phase of the project,” Schultz said.

She indicated that based on the support received to date, the project was expected to meet targets of supplying electricity to the market by 2024 and offer medium term solutions to Zambia’s power deficit.

“The development is a milestone achievement in ensuring the LS-MFEZ can meet the energy demands of the Economic Zone’s growing investor base as well as contribute to Zambia’s energy mix,” Scultz said.

She also stated that LS-MFEZ Limited was actively working towards the actualisation of this project with its partner Serenje (Pty) Limited as it was in line with its mandate to diversify the Zambian economy.

The zone is currently host to two solar projects namely Bangweulu Solar and Ngonye Solar, collectively the two companies are contributing 88 MW of power through the national grid, ZESCO.