1,000MW Coming Soon


Diversified and Fast-Tracked Solar, Hydro, and Thermal Projects to Ease Zambia’s Power Deficit by Year-End

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (06 July 2025) -The Ministry of Energy has announced a bold plan to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Zambia’s national grid by December 2025, following a directive from President Hakainde Hichilema aimed at curbing the ongoing power crisis.

According to Bob Sianjalika, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry, the planned energy boost will be achieved through a portfolio of fast-tracked projects across solar, hydro, and thermal sources. Several of these initiatives are nearing completion and are scheduled for commissioning before year-end.

Speaking at the 59th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola, Permanent Secretary for Electricity Eng. Arnold Simwaba emphasized the urgency of addressing Zambia’s electricity shortfall and the importance of broadening the country’s energy mix.

 “Diversifying the energy mix is no longer optional—it is a national imperative,” said Sianjalika. “Our historical overdependence on hydropower has left us vulnerable to climate shocks. By integrating solar and wind, we aim to build a more resilient and reliable power system.”

Petroleum Reforms Underway

In a significant development on the petroleum front, the Ministry is advancing plans to construct a second pipeline from Dar es Salaam to Zambia under the Tazama Open Access Framework. While the current pipeline transports only diesel, petrol continues to be delivered by road—a method both costly and inefficient.

Extending the pipeline to include petrol, Sianjalika explained, would improve fuel security, lower transportation costs, and ease pressure on the country’s road infrastructure. The open access model, already applied to diesel, has enhanced supply efficiency and introduced price-lowering competition.

Energy for All

Sianjalika reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that promote transparency, attract investment, and increase access to affordable energy for all Zambians.

The Ministry of Energy is exhibiting its transformative initiatives at the ongoing Trade Fair, alongside key statutory bodies such as the Zambezi River Authority and Tazama Pipelines Limited, as part of its continued efforts to power Zambia’s transition to a modern, diversified energy economy.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Brother, A Leader, A Lesson

Image
 Bishop Mwamba’s Tribute to Lungu Lusaka, Zambia24, Thursday, June 5, 2025 – United National Independence Party (UNIP) President Bishop Trevor Mwamba has paid tribute to the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, describing him as a man of the people, a personal friend, and a national figure whose life and leadership offer Zambia both memory and lesson. In a statement delivered Thursday, Bishop Mwamba extended condolences to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the entire nation, while encouraging citizens to reflect not only on the man Lungu was, but on the legacy he leaves behind. “I, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, extend my sincere sympathies to the Lungu family, the Patriotic Front, and the Zambian people on the passing of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu,” he said.  “As President of UNIP, I also convey our party’s deep condolences at this moment of national loss.” Recalling Lungu as his former classmate, Mwamba spoke warmly of the former president’s personal qualities—h...
Read more

UNZA Unions set to hold strike ballot after failed conciliation talks

Image
Pumulo ... The University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), UNZALARU, and UNZAWU are proceeding with a strike ballot after months of unproductive negotiations, citing unresolved issues related to compensation, working conditions, and a severe funding shortfall affecting the university's operations. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 - (6-11-2024) -  The three major unions at the University of Zambia (UNZA) have announced that they will conduct a strike ballot next week after prolonged efforts to negotiate an agreement through a formal conciliation process failed to yield results. Likezo Pumulo, President of the University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), addressed the media on behalf of UNZAPROSU, the University of Zambia Lecturers' and Researchers' Union (UNZALARU), and the University of Zambia and Allied Workers Union (UNZAWU). Pumulo explained that the decision to hold a strike ballot follows several months of intense discussions involv...
Read more

Breaking Silence, Saving Lives

Image
Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...
Read more