Zambia Launches Leopard Hill Solar‑Plus‑Storage Project to Boost Power Supply
On Tuesday, President Hakainde Hichilema presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a 250‑megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant paired with a 150‑MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Leopard Hill Solar Generation Station in Chongwe District, Lusaka Province. The $315 million hybrid facility is slated to become one of the largest solar‑plus‑storage installations on the African continent and marks a tangible step toward strengthening Zambia’s electricity security.
Project Scope and Technical Details
- Solar generation: 250 MW of photovoltaic panels, expected to produce roughly 450 gigawatt‑hours (GWh) annually under typical irradiance conditions.
- Battery storage: 150 MW/300 megawatt‑hour (MWh) lithium‑ion BESS, capable of delivering up to four hours of full‑power output to smooth intermittency and provide dispatchable power during peak demand.
- Investment: Total capital expenditure of US$315 million, financed through a mix of equity from Globeleq and Kyindu Resources Limited, debt facilities, and support from the Zambian state‑owned utility ZESCO Limited.
- Timeline: Construction commenced immediately after the ceremony, with commercial operation targeted for late 2026.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the Leopard Hill project will add approximately 450 MW of effective capacity to the national grid when combined with the existing 200 MW Chisamba solar plant (Phases I and II), moving Zambia closer to its stated potential of 1 GW of solar generation.
Why the Project Matters for Zambia’s Energy Landscape
Zambia has historically relied on hydropower, which supplies over 80 % of domestic electricity but is vulnerable to seasonal rainfall variability. The integration of solar PV with large‑scale battery storage addresses two critical challenges:
- Grid reliability: The BESS can absorb excess solar output during midday and release it during evening peaks, reducing the frequency of load‑shedding events.
- Diversification: By expanding the generation mix beyond hydro, the country lessens its exposure to climate‑related shocks and aligns with global decarbonisation trends.
President Hichilema emphasized that the hybrid approach will “increase reliability and ensure consistent power supply,” a sentiment echoed by Acting Energy Minister Rodney Sikumba, who noted that the project demonstrates the positive outcomes of recent sector reforms.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond megawatts, the Leopard Hill development is expected to generate tangible socioeconomic gains:
- Job creation: Construction phase anticipates roughly 1,200 direct and indirect positions, with permanent operations and maintenance roles estimated at 150‑200 skilled workers.
- Local procurement: Project developers have pledged to source a significant share of civil works, cabling, and logistics from Zambian firms, fostering domestic industry capacity.
- Revenue for communities: Chongwe District authorities project increased tax revenues and improved public services as a result of heightened economic activity.
- Skills transfer: Training programs in solar installation, battery management, and grid integration will be offered to local technicians, enhancing Zambia’s renewable‑energy workforce.
Lusaka Provincial Minister Sheal Mulyata highlighted the project’s potential to “create employment opportunities and contribute to local economic development,” while Chongwe MP Sylvia Masebo expressed confidence that residents will experience fewer power interruptions.
Policy Reforms and Investment Climate
The Leopard Hill initiative had been conceptualized over a decade ago but stalled due to policy barriers that discouraged private participation in the power sector. Recent reforms—including the introduction of competitive bidding procedures, clearer power purchase agreement (PPA) frameworks, and strengthened guarantees for foreign investors—have revived investor confidence.
Carl Irwin, project manager for the consortium, stated that “political and legislative reforms that had improved its bankability” were pivotal in moving the project from dormancy to execution. ZESCO CEO Vickson Ncube added that the utility is concurrently upgrading transmission infrastructure to accommodate the influx of variable renewable generation.
International Support and Partnerships
The project has attracted attention from development partners seeking to support Zambia’s clean‑energy transition. British High Commissioner Rebecca Terzeon announced that the United Kingdom will contribute £1.2 million to Zambia’s energy pact and back initiatives such as the Zambia‑Tanzania interconnector, signalling a shift from traditional aid toward strategic investment.
Such collaborations underscore the view that reliable electricity is a cornerstone for economic growth, regional trade, and climate resilience—a perspective shared by multilateral institutions active in Southern Africa.
Looking Ahead
If completed on schedule, Leopard Hill will serve as a benchmark for future solar‑plus‑storage ventures across Zambia and the wider region. The government’s goal of achieving up to 1 GW of solar capacity by 2030 appears increasingly attainable, especially as additional projects in Chisamba, Mkushi, and the Copperbelt progress through planning stages.
Continued emphasis on transparent procurement, grid modernization, and skills development will be essential to sustain momentum and ensure that renewable investments translate into lasting benefits for Zambian households and businesses.
Conclusion
The launch of the Leopard Hill solar photovoltaic plant and its accompanying 150 MW battery storage system represents a concrete advancement in Zambia’s quest for a more secure, diversified, and sustainable power supply. Backed by presidential endorsement, policy reforms, and international partnership, the project promises to enhance grid reliability, spur local economic activity, and position Zambia as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation.
