The Mailo Solar PV Power Plant in Serenje District has successfully injected 25 Megawatts (MW) of solar energy into Zambia’s national electricity grid.
Mailo Solar Plant Injects 25MW into National Grid, Passes Key Pre-Commissioning Tests
The Mailo Solar PV Power Plant in Serenje District has successfully injected 25 Megawatts (MW) of solar energy into Zambia’s national electricity grid following the completion and testing of its first phase, marking a major step forward in the country's renewable energy expansion efforts.
Located in Chief Mailo’s Chiefdom, the solar plant is a product of a strategic partnership between ZESCO Limited and Solar Century Africa. The 110MW project is being developed in phases, with the first 25MW now operational after passing rigorous pre-commissioning tests.
“This achievement is part of Zambia’s continued commitment to diversifying its energy mix and ensuring energy security,” said Eng. Brian Kanyanga, Head of Renewables at ZESCO. “The Mailo Solar Power Plant will ease the strain on our hydropower stations and support the country’s long-term electricity needs.”
Construction of the plant began in July 2024 on a 204-hectare site. According to Solar Century Africa Project Manager, Eng. Gondai Munyana, the next phase of development is set to begin in July this year, with site clearance planned for two months. Construction of the second phase is expected to start in September and be completed by May 2026.
“The third and final phase, which will add 50MW to the project, will commence shortly after and is projected to be commissioned by 2027,” Munyana stated.
The successful delivery of the plant’s first phase is being hailed as a demonstration of the confidence private investors have in ZESCO’s capacity to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects. ZESCO is currently driving aggressive collaboration with both public and private stakeholders to bridge the national energy deficit.
“In addition to ensuring technical compliance, ZESCO has been instrumental in integrating the Mailo plant into the national grid,” Eng. Kanyanga noted. “Given the intermittent nature of solar power, it’s crucial that each project undergoes thorough grid compatibility checks.”
The project aligns with Zambia’s ambition to reach 1,000MW of installed solar capacity by the end of 2025, a goal championed by President Hakainde Hichilema as part of his government’s push for sustainable energy development.
As Zambia navigates climate challenges and rising electricity demand, the Mailo Solar Power Plant stands as a beacon of progress in the country’s renewable energy journey.