Globeleq and SOLA partnership awarded 40 MW(AC) solar projects in Zambia

Globeleq and SOLA partnership awarded 40 MWAC solar projects in Zambia

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA, 8 April, 2019:  Globeleq, and SOLA Group’s Aurora Power Solutions, have been awarded two 20 MWAC solar PV IPP power projects in Zambia. The projects are part of Zambia’s GET FiT Programme, designed to assist the government to provide increased access to low cost, reliable and clean power, and diversifying the generation mix.

It also encourages private sector participation using a range of experienced developers, while boosting  institutional capabilities for renewable energy IPPs to operate in Zambia.

The Globeleq and SOLA consortium was selected as one of 10 consortiums to submit two project proposals after an initial qualification stage.  Paul Hanrahan, CEO of Globeleq, commented, “We are thrilled to be a part of Zambia’s GET FiT programme, along with our partner, Aurora Power Solutions.  We believe this is a direct result of our strong project development and execution capabilities and experience in Africa, as well as our ability to submit a competitive tariff. We are delighted to move forward towards the realisation of the Zambian Government’s commitment to provide the country with least-cost clean energy.”

“We are excited to be awarded this opportunity,” said Dr Chris Haw, Chairperson of the SOLA board, and Founder of Aurora Power Solutions. “Once built, these projects will provide reliable and clean electricity to the Zambian government for 25 years.  The competitive pricing of the awarded projects shows the affordability of solar PV as an energy source.  Zambia’s commitment to procure clean energy is not just about supporting a low carbon future – it is also about providing affordable energy to grow its economy.”

The SOLA Group is a recipient of UN Environment Seed Capital Assistance Facility (SCAF) Programme which is supported by UK Aid and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. SCAF support has contributed to the development of the Zambia GETFiT projects and will continue up to Financial Close.

The projects are part of the first phase of GETFiT Zambia’s procurement of renewable energy which allows for 120 MWAC of solar PV capacity. During their first year, the awarded projects are expected to produce 360 GWh of clean power for the country and will encourage economic development and implementation of local capacity building programmes.