100MW Chisamba Solar Project Nearing Completion

By Ruth Chayinda

Works on the development of a 100 megawatts Chisamba Solar PV Plant have reached 71 percent.

The project is anticipated to be commissioned by May this year.

Kariba North Bank Power Extension Corporation Chief Executive Officer BOYD KANCHELA says the 100 million dollar project will help cushion the power deficit once completed.

Mr. KANCHELA says the photo-voltaic generation plant has been financed 70 percent through debt and 30 percent equity.

He says currently, 750 people are employed in the construction and installation phase and the number will double once operational.

Mr. KANCHELA said this in an interview when he led a team from the Energy Forum for Africa –EFFA- Conference during the tour of the plant.

And EFFA Conference Convener HOPE CHANDA is impressed with the pace of works at the Chisamba PV Solar Plant.

Ms. CHANDA said the conference has set a target of adding 500 megawatts to the national grid this year.

Meanwhile Green-Co Head of New Ventures CHIKOMA KAZUNGA said the company is ready to be the off-taker of power for at least 10 years from the Chisamba Solar PV Power Plant once it is operational.