Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote, is set to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of the Cooma Solar Plant this Friday in Choma District, Southern Province. The event marks a significant step in Zambia’s push toward energy diversification and clean energy adoption.
The Cooma Solar Plant will have a generation capacity of 60 megawatts (MW), supported by an additional 20MW of battery energy storage. Once operational, the project will supply clean electricity to the national grid, with the battery system ensuring grid stability during peak demand hours.
The development aligns with Zambia’s broader strategy to enhance electricity reliability, expand energy access, and advance environmental sustainability goals. It also responds to President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for an additional 1000MW to the national grid by December 2025.
The ceremony is expected to draw a wide range of attendees, including senior government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders. Minister Chikote is slated to deliver a keynote address emphasizing the strategic role of renewable energy and public-private partnerships in national development.
In addition to strengthening Zambia’s energy resilience, the Cooma Solar Project is anticipated to generate employment for local communities and stimulate economic growth in Choma and its surrounding areas.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating green energy investments and supporting a low-carbon economic transition. The Cooma Solar Plant stands as a critical component in Zambia’s vision for a reliable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.
