• This follows the completion of feasibility studies undertaken to determine the scope of works.
• The company will closely work with the local communities in a bid to incorporate Zambians to be part of the project.
• The project of electrifying the rural community is aimed at supplementing efforts by Zesco.
A French solar energy firm had disclosed that it is set to electrify over 5, 000 households in rural communities of Zambia by 2024.
Generale Du Solaire Director for Africa and Middle East, Alexis Rehbinder said this follows the completion of feasibility studies which were undertaken by his firm to determine the scope of works needed to develop, construct and operate mini solar grids in Zambia.
Mr. Rehbinder stated that his company will closely work with the local communities in a bid to incorporate Zambians to be part of the project.
He added that the project of electrifying the rural community is aimed at supplementing efforts by the national utility and as such, his organization will collaborate with Zesco Limited to improve and accelerate the rate at which people access electricity.
Mr. Rehbinder however hoped that Energy Regulation Board and Rural Electrification Authority would expedite the issuance of permits to enable the firm commence operations by the end of 2023.
During a tour of the solar power plant, Zambia’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Christine Kaseba Sata, was informed that preparatory works to set up solar power plants have advanced and 9 villages across Zambia are expected to benefit from the project.
Dr. Kaseba commended the firm for choosing Zambia as the best destination for foreign direct investment, further assuring the investors of government’s commitment to safeguard their investment.
“This project will greatly benefit the small medium enterprises that depend on electricity for their business activities,” Dr. Kaseba stated.
Generale Du Solaire is an independent electricity producer and has more than 300 solar power plants in France with an hourly production capacity of 5 gigawatts.
Benin and Togo are the latest recipients of the project in Africa while Zambia is the next investment destination.
This is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary, Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Paris, Naomi Ng’andu Mweemba.
