Zambia yesterday launched the construction of a 250MWp solar photovoltaic plant and a 150MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Leopard Hill Solar Generation Station in Chongwe District.
Located 25 km southeast of Lusaka, the $315 million hybrid investment is expected to significantly boost the country’s electricity supply and will be the nation's largest hybrid renewable energy development.
Implemented in partnership with Globeleq, Kyindu Resources Limited, and the national power utility ZESCO, president Hakainde Hichilema asserted that the move is part of the state’s strategy to accelerate investment in clean and reliable energy infrastructure.
He noted that projects of this scale are critical to unlocking economic growth and supporting industrialisation.
According to Hichilema, the development has been driven by growing investor confidence following energy sector reforms; he highlighted that a previous lack of confidence had halted the take-off of this particular undertaking over 10 years ago.
The combination of the 250 MWp solar photovoltaic plant with a 150 MW/600 MWh BESS and will be a major contributor to the state’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and strengthen national grid stability.
By combining large-scale solar generation with a four-hour BESS, the Leopards Hill project will support peak demand and enhance grid voltage and frequency stability.
The government noted the facility will provide energy equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 150,000 households.
Hichilema further emphasised that the Southern African country has the potential to generate up to 1,000 MW of solar energy.
He cited ongoing projects such as the 200MW Chisamba Solar Plants (Phase I and Phase II), which, together with Leopard Hill, will add about 450 MW to the national grid.
Moreover, the project is expected to create an estimated 200–250 employment opportunities for local Zambians during peak construction and will provide various permanent roles once operational. Financial close is targeted for the end of 2026.
Carl Irwin, chairman of Leopard Investment Company said that the company is playing play a vital role in bringing an advanced renewable energy project to the country.
“Having farmed this land for generations, we are now privileged to harvest the power of the sun, contributing to clean energy and supporting Zambia's economic growth."
Jonathan Hoffman, CEO of Globeleq, added: "The Leopards Hill project strengthens our ability to offer tailored power solutions to major customers in the country and the region. Globeleq is building a balanced and flexible platform that supports the country's long-term energy strategy and enables sustained growth in the local mining sector."
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