Executive Summary
Mudzi Umodzi Development (MUD), a Zambian registered infrastructure development and independent power producer (IPP) company, intends to develop the grid- connected Serenje 125-Megawatt ac (MWac) Photovoltaic (PV) Solar project following the approval of the feasibility study rights (FSR) by the Ministry of Energy (MoE). Mudzi Umodzi Development is a locally registered company known as the Developer to undertake the development and operation of a Solar PV Plant. Mudzi Umodzi Development intends to install a Solar PV Plant within their Farm in Chankalamu, Chief Kabamba’s area, in Serenje District of Central Province to produce renewable electricity using solar energy. The project will produce 125MWac energy that will be fed into the National grid.
Zambia has significant renewable energy resource potential which includes Hydro, Solar, Wind, Biomass and Geothermal energy. Among the renewable energy resources besides hydroelectric power, Photovoltaic (PV) solar presents a greater opportunity due to the country’s geographical location. The hydropower resource is one on which the country has had a great dependence on for many years. However, it is no longer a reliable source of electrical energy supply due to changing weather patterns relating to low rainfall culminating into low water levels at Hydropower generation stations. Currently, the country has deficit in excess arising from insufficient power generation and increased local power demand, with loadshedding up to 12 hours a day for the last 2 months in 2024. Access to electricity in Zambia remains extremely low currently at 31 percent of which 67 percent and 4 percent are in urban and rural areas respectively. Zambia has approximately 3,000 sunshine hours annually providing good potential for solar energy. The 2019 National Energy Policy recognises the need to attract more investment for improved energy infrastructure development. The 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) further asserts the role of the private sector and the need to harness its financing.
