CEC Commissions Zambia's Largest Operational Solar Power Plant

Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has commissioned the 136MW Itimpu II Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Kitwe, increasing its total installed solar capacity to 230MW and making Itimpi II the largest operational solar facility in Zambia and one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Built at a cost of US$125.8million and financed through CEC's US$200 million Green Bond programme, the project marks a significant step in Zambia's transition towards a more diversified and resilient energy mix.

The plant is expected to reduce the country's reliance on hydropower, strengthen energy security and support long-term economic growth. Beyond clean energy generation, the project created more than 2,500 jobs, promoted local skills development and demonstrated the capacity of Zambia's capital markets to finance large-scale infrastructure projects without sovereign funding.

Advisory Team:

Bowmans

Bwalya Chilufya-Musonda

Aleem Tharani

Jason Wilkinson

Simon Kiriba

Joshua Mwamulima

Twaambo Mukuni