Commissioning of the 136 MW Itimpi II solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant to increase Zambia’s solar capacity

 

By Ennie Kishiki Mutepuka.

In a year marked by regional power shortages and hydrological challenges, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Renewables Limited has emerged as a beacon of resilience and innovation in Zambia's renewable energy sector. 

According to the company's 2025 Integrated Annual Report, CEC Renewables has demonstrated strong operational and financial performance, with a 14% increase in revenue and a significant boost in renewable energy generation.

With that being said, the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Group commissioned the 136-megawatt Itimpi II Solar photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant in Zambia’s Kitwe District on 30th April 2026, increasing its total solar capacity from 94 MW to 230 MW. 

The136 megawatts Itimpi II Solar photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant was built in 14 months for US$125.8 million. The plant, funded by CEC’s US$200 million Green Bond, is now Zambia’s largest operational solar facility and the third in sub–Saharan Africa. 

Beyond infrastructure, this investment marks a strategic pivot for both the company and the nation, supporting diversified power sources and diversifying the country’s energy mix by reducing reliance on hydro-dependent grid power.

By successfully utilizing the Green Bond, CEC has proven that local capital markets can independently fund mega-projects without reliance on sovereign debt.

The project has delivered significant localized value and will offset approximately 101 MT of CO2 annually. 

Apart from all these achievements, the136 MW Itimpi II Solar photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant has created about 2,568 jobs, while over 95 percent of these jobs are held by Zambians, while contracting 15 local companies and eight local consultants, including Copperbelt University. 

This commissioning enabled about 1,000 local employees to acquire new skills from industry experts, creating a localized pipeline of renewable energy expertise that will outlast the construction phase.

And during the commissioning, Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, emphasized that diversification was no longer optional but necessary for economic growth and export competitiveness. 

The President positioned the project within Zambia’s broader energy strategy, highlighting the risks of the country’s historical dependence on hydropower and the urgent need to accelerate investment in alternative energy sources.

Mr. Hichilema said Zambia needs about 8,000 megawatts of power to produce 3 million tonnes of copper, stating that this is why the country needs more electricity generation plants to support other sectors apart from mining.

He said the government will support companies that want to invest in the Energy sector, adding that the reforms undertaken by his government have delivered in the Energy sector, as can be seen from the investment that is coming into the energy sector.

The President said the overall objective is to have enough electricity for local consumption and export.

And Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Chief Executive Officer, Owen Silawva, said the achievement is a story of national empowerment, noting that Itimpi II is part of a broader commitment to expanding renewable energy and delivering sustainable power for long-term economic development.

Meanwhile, CEC Board Chairperson, London Mwafulilwa, said the Itimpi project shows that Zambia is open for partnerships in the energy sector, adding that the commissioning was a bold statement that Zambia is ready, capable, and committed to driving progress through investment, partnership, and decisive

On the other hand, CEC Securities and Exchange Commission Chief Executive Officer, Philip Chitalu, said CEC surpassed a US$100 million national capital markets target by raising US$156 million, demonstrating the power of local markets to fund national development.

Now with the commissioning of the 136 megawatts Itimpi II Solar photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant, Zambia is poised for greater economic investment, and with companies like the Copperbelt Energy Corporation, Zambia’s Energy sector is secured.