ZESCO BOARD CHAIR IMPRESSED WITH PROGRESS AT 16MW NORTHRISE SOLAR POWER PLANT IN NDOLA
ZESCO Board Chairperson, Vickson Ncube, today led a delegation on a media inspection tour of a 16 MW phase one Northrise Solar Plant in Ndola, a Public Private Partnership between ZESCO and Lifesong aimed at advancing President Hakainde Hichilema’s energy diversification agenda.
Once completed, the plant will add renewable power to Zambia’s national grid, significantly enhancing the country’s electricity supply and sustainability efforts.
Mr. Ncube expressed satisfaction and pride with the progress made so far, commending the project’s role in boosting Zambia’s clean energy transition. He also echoed President Hichilema’s strong stance against economic sabotage, describing the theft and vandalism of national assets such as energy infrastructure as “economic crimes” deserving of stiffer penalties.
“The board remains committed to partnering with the private sector in driving Zambia’s renewable energy agenda forward,” Mr. Ncube emphasized.
Lifesong Director Dennis Lick revealed that the project has a 25-year lifespan and the capacity to power over 30,000 households. The first phase, expected to be completed by December 2025, will feed 16MW of electricity into the national grid, benefiting institutions such as Northrise University and the planned Lifesong Skills Academy.
The project has already created over 200 local jobs, with more employment opportunities expected as construction progresses, contributing significantly to local economic empowerment.
An additional 17MW will come online in early 2026 as part of the second phase, with the entire solar plant scheduled for completion by March 2026.
The Lifesong Solar Plant stands as a milestone in Zambia’s journey toward sustainable energy and economic resilience through Public Private collaboration.
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