President Hichilema Commissions 136 MW Itimpi Phase 2 Solar Plant

President Hakainde Hichilema today commissioned the Itimpi Phase 2 Solar Power Plant, marking a major expansion of renewable energy infrastructure on the Copperbelt.

The 136‑megawatt (MW) facility, developed by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Renewables, brings total generation capacity at the Itimpi site to 196 MW. This follows the commissioning of the 60 MW Phase 1 project in April 2024.

Speaking in Kitwe, President Hichilema urged continued effort to close the power supply gap and achieve sufficiency so that Zambia can reclaim its export market. He noted that the country forfeited power exports when supplies were recalled due to drought‑induced shortages.

“I would like Zambians to understand the importance of exports to the economy,” he said.

The Head of State emphasised that the completion of Phase 2 moves Zambia closer to its target of 10,000 MW of electricity. He stressed that sufficient power is vital for productivity and industrial growth, pointing out that the mining sector alone will require more than 8,000 MW to produce the targeted 3 million metric tonnes of copper.

President Hichilema described the Itimpi project as a clear demonstration of government’s intent to expand electricity generation. He called for increased investment in infrastructure and power generation to surpass the 10,000‑MW target, underscoring that the expansion is a critical step in diversifying the national energy mix and reducing reliance on hydroelectric power.

The Phase 2 project was financed through a US$96.7 million investment, raised via the second tranche of CEC’s US$200 million green bond listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE).

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Chief Executive Officer Owen Silavwe described the commissioning of the country’s largest solar photovoltaic facility as proof that extraordinary achievements are possible when commitment and partnership align.

He said the development is part of a broader journey in the energy sector, revealing that CEC is working to expand its energy portfolio to 500 megawatts within the next two years. This move, he explained, is aimed at delivering a cleaner, more resilient, and diversified energy mix for Zambia.

Mr. Silavwe emphasised that the project will strengthen and stabilize the national electricity grid, underscoring the central role renewable energy must play in meeting Zambia’s long‑term energy needs.

CEC Board Chairperson London Mwafulilwa described the commissioning of the Itimpi 2 Solar Plant as a landmark achievement that demonstrates Zambia’s capacity to deliver world‑class infrastructure.

He said the project signifies Zambia’s leadership in Africa’s clean energy transition, showing what can be achieved through vision and decisive action. “Itimpi is not just a facility; it is an investment into Zambia’s energy future,” he noted.

Mr. Mwafulilwa reaffirmed that CEC remains committed to supporting government’s agenda of building a diversified energy mix