Written By: Faith Jemosop a writer at africa digest news, specializing in renewable energy, future of energy, africa energy and climate change news.
Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, is expected to officiate the groundbreaking ceremony of the Cooma Solar Power Plant this Friday, May 9th, in Choma District, Southern Province.
The renewable energy facility set to become one of the country’s most innovative solar projects will feature 60 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and a 20 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), making it the first of its kind in Zambia.
The Cooma Solar Power Plant is being developed by Zambia’s GEI Power Limited in partnership with YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endustri, a Turkish engineering and energy firm.
The plant is projected to be operational by September 2025, providing clean electricity to over 65,000 households and supporting Zambia’s push toward energy diversification and sustainability.
Minister Chikote’s presence at the ceremony underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening energy security and expanding renewable energy infrastructure. The project arrives at a crucial time when the nation is grappling with power shortages driven by climate related impacts on hydropower generation.
“This project marks a new chapter in Zambia’s energy development. It symbolizes our dedication to securing clean, reliable, and affordable power for all citizens,” Chikote is expected to say at the event.
With the integration of BESS, the plant will store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods, boosting grid stability and reliability.
Construction Timeline and Job Creation
The construction of the Cooma Solar Plant is scheduled to begin immediately after the groundbreaking, with completion targeted for the third quarter of 2025. The development is expected to create over 150 jobs during the construction phase, and around 50 seasonal positions during the operational phase.
Local businesses and workers will benefit through direct employment, subcontracts, training opportunities, and support services. This economic injection will also stimulate activity in the surrounding rural communities of Choma District.
Developers and Innovation Partners
The project is a collaboration between:
- GEI Power Limited, a Zambian energy firm focused on delivering climate resilient energy solutions such as solar and clean cooking technologies. The company is known for introducing “Mbaula Ya Mphamvu,” an efficient cookstove designed to reduce charcoal usage and combat deforestation.
- YEO Teknoloji Enerji ve Endustri, a Turkish technology and engineering company with experience in power automation, industrial electrification, and renewable energy systems. The firm is not only investing in Zambia but also exploring the possibility of setting up a local assembly plant for solar panels and batteries to support skills transfer and local manufacturing.
Together, these firms are investing an estimated $65 million into the Cooma Solar project.
What sets this initiative apart from previous solar efforts is its use of battery storage technology, allowing power to be stored and dispatched when needed making the grid more resilient to fluctuations.
Also read: How Solar Mini-Grids Are Transforming Rural Uganda
This hybrid setup marks a major innovation milestone in Zambia’s energy sector. It offers a solution to common solar limitations by ensuring power availability even during non-sunlight hours.
“The BESS inclusion transforms this plant from a standard solar installation into a critical piece of infrastructure for national energy reliability,” explained an analyst from Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board.
Environmental and Community Safeguards in Place
The project received approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) after an in-depth Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Consultations with local leaders and residents in Chief Cooma’s Chiefdom were conducted to ensure inclusive development and community buy-in.
Efforts are being made to minimize land disturbance, conserve local biodiversity, and uphold environmental standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Supporting Zambia’s National Energy Goals
The Cooma Solar Power Plant supports Zambia’s Vision 2030 and National Energy Policy, which aim to diversify power generation sources, increase energy access to rural communities, and promote environmental sustainability.
Currently, Zambia relies heavily on hydropower, which accounts for over 80% of its electricity supply. However, recurring droughts and changing weather patterns have exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system.
The government’s renewable energy agenda seeks to bridge this gap with solar, wind, and geothermal projects. The Cooma Solar Plant is now poised to become a cornerstone in that strategy
Financing and Strategic Partnerships
The project is being financed through a combination of private investment from both GEI Power and YEO Teknoloji, along with anticipated support from international climate finance institutions.
Also read: Can the Sun End Nigeria’s Energy Poverty with Solar Power
Zambia has increasingly attracted attention from foreign investors thanks to its abundant solar resource potential and enabling regulatory environment. Future phases of the Cooma plant may even see capacity expansion or grid integration into neighboring provinces.
Long Term Benefits and Legacy
Once operational, the Cooma Solar Power Plant is expected to:
- Provide clean electricity to 65,000 households
- Reduce Zambia’s annual CO₂ emissions
- Set a precedent for battery-integrated solar development in the region
- Catalyze skills development in solar engineering and renewable energy management
- Serve as a replicable model for future solar projects across Southern Africa
This project is also aligned with regional and global energy transition goals, including those outlined under SADC renewable energy targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 Affordable and Clean Energy.
