Solarcentury Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia to develop a 67 MWp solar project

• Solarcentury Africa and the IDC have signed a Heads of Terms agreement to co-develop a 67 MWp solar project in Zambia. The plant will connect to the ZESCO backbone near Chisamba Central Province, Zambia reducing the need for power transfer from the south.

• The plant will be able to wheel power to IDC’s large industrial users in Zambia to address the current power shortages being experienced in-country.

BB Energy’s Solarcentury Africa and the Industrial Development Corporation Limited (“IDC”) of Zambia have signed a Heads of Terms agreement to co-develop a 67 MWp solar power plant in Zambia. This strategic Project will connect to the ZESCO backbone near Chisamba, Central Province, supporting Zambia’s efforts to mitigate its ongoing power shortages with sustainable energy solutions.

IDC has already secured the project site and carried out initial technical studies, while Solarcentury Africa will be responsible for completing development, design, funding and delivery of the plant.

Solarcentury Africa brings valuable experience to this partnership, having completed the development of the first 25 MW of the 100MW solar project in Kanona, Serenje District, which began construction last year and is set for commissioning in Q2 2025. As a member of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP), Solarcentury Africa is actively expanding its merchant solar portfolio in Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, with plans to install up to 500 MW of solar capacity in the region over the coming years.

This Project is designed to provide power primarily to IDC’s large industrial users in Zambia, addressing critical energy shortages that have impacted businesses and economic growth.

Jason De Carteret, CEO of Solarcentury Africa, commented, “Zambia’s urgent need for reliable power makes this project a crucial step towards energy security. We are very excited to partner with IDC to develop sustainable solutions that support Zambia’s economy and industrial sector. We look forward to working closely with the IDC to bring this project to life and to further our commitment to renewable energy development in Africa.”

Cornwell Muleya, Chief Executive Officer of IDC added, “We are thrilled to partner with Solarcentury Africa to deliver a project that will have a significant impact on Zambia’s energy landscape. This project is a testament to our commitment to supporting Zambia’s industrialization agenda and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, this project aligns perfectly with Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. By harnessing Zambia’s abundant solar resources, we are contributing to a more diversified and sustainable energy sector, which will drive economic growth, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy security for generations to come”

About Solarcentury Africa

Solarcentury Africa is a leading renewable energy developer with over a decade of experience delivering solar PV and energy storage projects across Africa. The company, headquartered in the UK, specializes in utilizing smart energy technologies to provide clean, reliable power to businesses, investors, and communities. Solarcentury Africa is part of the BB Energy Group.

About BB Energy

BB Energy, founded in the 1960s, is one of the world’s leading independent energy trading companies. With key trading hubs in London, Brussels, Dubai, Geneva Houston, and Singapore, BB Energy employs around 500 people worldwide. The company’s growing renewable energy division plays a pivotal role in reducing global emissions.

About IDC

The Industrial Development Corporation Limited is a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) charged with the mandate to spearhead the Zambian Government’s commercial investments agenda aimed at strengthening Zambia’s industrial base and job creation. The IDC was established to create and maximise long-term shareholder value as an active investor and shareholder of successful state-owned enterprises, as well as undertake industrialisation and rural development activities through the creation of new industries in partnership with private sector players across various sectors in the economy such as energy, mining, agriculture, forestry, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure and financial services. One of the major roles of the IDC is to identify greenfield projects that would create new avenues for direct and indirect employment and partnerships across various parts of the country.