Zambia Commissions 136MW Itimpi-2 Solar Plant in Major Energy Push

Zambia has strengthened its renewable energy capacity with the commissioning of the 136MW Itimpi-2 Solar Power Plant in Kitwe, the country’s largest solar facility to date.

Developed by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), the project expands the wider Itimpi Solar Complex to 196MW and represents a key milestone in Zambia’s efforts to address persistent electricity shortages and support its long-term target of 10,000MW by 2030.

President Hakainde Hichilema, who commissioned the plant, said the development reflects the impact of ongoing reforms aimed at improving investor confidence in the energy sector. He emphasised that increased generation capacity is essential to support mining, agriculture, and wider industrial growth, while also enabling Zambia to restore electricity exports that were reduced during periods of load-shedding.

The government has been seeking to attract private capital into power generation as part of a broader strategy to diversify away from hydropower dependence. Officials noted that recent policy reforms have helped create a more stable investment environment, allowing large-scale solar projects to progress more efficiently.

CEC described Itimpi-2 as a strategic response to Zambia’s power deficit. Built across approximately 170 hectares in 14 months, the facility is designed to provide a reliable supply to the grid, with a strong focus on supporting mining operations, the backbone of the Copperbelt economy.
The project delivered significant economic benefits during construction, employing more than 1,800 workers on-site and engaging over 2,500 people in total. It has also created more than 100 permanent jobs and includes community investment initiatives valued at around US$3 million in 2025.

Copperbelt provincial authorities highlighted that Itimpi-2 is the third solar plant commissioned in the region, signalling growing momentum in renewable energy development across the province.
CEC leadership said the project demonstrates Zambia’s readiness to deliver utility-scale energy infrastructure aligned with global clean energy trends, while strengthening national energy security and supporting decarbonisation goals.

International partners have also reaffirmed support for Zambia’s energy expansion, with cooperation in the sector contributing significantly to recent increases in national generation capacity.
As Zambia continues to scale up solar and other renewable sources, projects such as Itimpi-2 are expected to play a central role in stabilising supply, powering industry, and advancing the country’s energy transition.