Mailo Solar Power Plant Injects 25MW of Solar Energy into National Grid

Mailo Solar PV Power Plant has injected 25 Megawatts of solar energy into the Zambian electricity grid, as the country targets to reach 1,000 MW of solar electricity by year-end to improve the national supply.

The 110MW solar plant, conceptualized through a partnership between Solar Century Africa and ZESCO Limited, sits on 204 hectares of land in Chief Mailo’s chiefdom, located in Serenje District, Central province.

Solar Century Africa Project Manager, Eng. Gondai Munyana said the project, which broke ground in July last year, has rapidly developed, with the first phase of work completed and tested in May 2025.

Eng. Munyana stated that beyond the 25MW in the first phase of the Mailo solar plant, the developers have already set their eyes and hands on achieving the next 35MW and then 50MW, with construction set to start around September, 2025, while completion of mechanical works and testing will be done by April to May next year.

“Soon after that, we will start the third phase of 50MW, which is likely to take a little bit longer because it will be the biggest portion of the project and commissioning will be around 2027. In terms of the timelines, we are planning to start clearing the site for phase two in July, which will take two months” Eng. Munyana said.

And ZESCO Head of Renewables, Eng. Brian Kanyanga said Mailo Solar power plant is critical in the Corporation’s current situation and the future, as it will contribute to lessening the burden on hydro power plants.

“Not only have we verified the designs, but we have also contributed to grid integration to make sure that this plant seamlessly integrates into the national grid. As you know, solar is intermittent, so we need to make sure that the technology we are bringing on board does not destabilize the plant while we enjoy the benefits that come from it,” Eng. Kanyanga said.

According to ZESCO, the successful completion of the first phase of the Mailo Solar Power Plant demonstrates the trust and confidence the private sector has placed in the Corporation as an implementing partner.