Zambia launched construction of a 100 MW solar plant in Chirundu, a 35 MW solar plant in Choma, and a 330 kV transmission line in Southern Province on December 4 and 8. The projects, developed by state utility Zesco, target the region near Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Bank hydropower dams. Hydropower supplies about 90% of Zambia's electricity.
The Chirundu plant, a $90 million Zesco-JIGSCO Energy joint venture, supports the government's 1,000 MW solar capacity plan. The Choma facility is developed by China Energy Engineering Group Hunan Electric Power Design Institute.