Zambia Breaks Ground on 250 MW Solar-Battery Power Plant

Construction crews have broken ground on Zambia's most ambitious renewable energy project, a facility that will soon capture enough sunlight to power thousands of homes and store it for nighttime use.

The Leopards Hill Solar and Battery Project combines a 250 megawatt solar farm with a powerful battery system capable of storing four hours of electricity. Located just 25 kilometers southeast of Lusaka in Chongwe District, the facility represents a major leap forward for Zambian energy independence.

The project solves a critical problem that has long plagued solar power. When the sun sets, traditional solar farms go dark, but this facility's 150 MW battery system will keep electricity flowing during evening peak demand hours. The technology will also help stabilize the national grid, preventing the voltage fluctuations and frequency issues that can damage appliances and disrupt daily life.

London-based Globeleq is developing the project in partnership with Leopard Investment Company, a Zambian agricultural business that has farmed the land for generations. Carl Irwin, chairman of Leopard Investment, captured the moment beautifully: "We are now privileged to harvest the power of the sun, contributing to clean energy and supporting Zambia's economic growth."

The project will create 200 to 250 jobs during peak construction, with additional permanent positions once the facility begins operating. Financial close is expected by the end of 2026, bringing Zambia closer to its clean energy goals while expanding opportunities for private companies to participate in the power sector.

The Ripple Effect

Zambia's solar revolution is gaining serious momentum. The country already operates 912 megawatts of solar power across 142 projects, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association. The national utility ZESCO recently completed a 100 MW solar farm and plans to double its capacity soon.

The Leopards Hill project builds on earlier successes like the Choma Solar Project, which pairs a 60 MW solar plant with battery storage in Southern Province. These developments are transforming Zambia from a country dependent on inconsistent power supplies to one leading Africa's clean energy transition.

The partnership between international developers and local businesses like Leopard Investment shows how renewable energy projects can honor the past while building the future. Land that once grew crops will now generate clean electricity for generations of Zambians.

As more projects reach completion, Zambia is proving that developing nations don't have to choose between economic growth and environmental responsibility.