Zambia has awarded 120 MW of solar power projects to three joint ventures as part of its attempts to diversify the renewable energy resources it utilises. The country has largely relied on hydropower but wants alternatives after a drought in the next two to three years led to an electricity shortage resulting in it rationing power to its copper mines. The three joint ventures will build six, 20 MW-capacity solar projects each after the government expanded on initial plans for 100 MW overall. Zambia said it intends to create 600 MW of on-grid solar generation over 2016.
Zambia has awarded 120 MW of solar power projects to three joint ventures as part of its attempts to diversify the renewable energy resources it utilises. The country has largely relied on hydropower but wants alternatives after a drought in 2016 led to an electricity shortage resulting in it rationing power to its copper mines. The three joint ventures will build six, 20 MW-capacity solar projects each after the government expanded on initial plans for 100 MW overall. Zambia said it intends to create 600 MW of on-grid solar generation over the next two to three years.