ZESCO Enhances Power Infrastructure to Manage Increased Demand in Northern Zambia
ZESCO Limited has undertaken a significant initiative to bolster its power transmission capacity in northern Zambia, aiming to alleviate strain on the grid caused by burgeoning mining activities.
The utility has commissioned a second 330 kilovolts Kabwe-Pensulo transmission line in Serenje, Central Province, with the goal of sustaining transmission capacity and mitigating power cuts.
Masoka Daka, the site manager overseeing the project, highlighted its critical importance amid escalating demand spurred by new entrants in the mining sector across Muchinga, Luapula, Northern, Eastern, and Central provinces.
This $134 million project forms part of the high voltage alternating current transmission line under the Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya interconnector power system.
Ultimately, it aims to link the Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP) with the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), a venture slated for completion within two years.
“The transmission line from Kabwe to Pensulo is part of phase one of ZTK, a 300-kilometer initiative. It’s pivotal for integrating with the East African power pool during dry spells, while enabling us to export surplus power during wet seasons,” explained Daka.
He underscored the urgency, noting that recent developments such as increased mining and agricultural activities necessitate enhanced power supply capabilities across the region.
The initiative includes plans to connect distribution networks, expected to operationalize by July 31st, thereby minimizing power disruptions caused by maintenance and faults.
Daka also outlined future plans for a phase two expansion, financed by the World Bank, aimed at further bolstering cross-border connectivity and increasing overall power supply.
This expansion is anticipated to significantly curtail the frequency of load shedding once operational, particularly upon completion of crucial links to import power from Tanzania.
In response to recent challenges, including vandalism leading to substantial repair costs, ZESCO spokesperson Matongo Maumbi reiterated the utility’s resolve to combat such criminal activities. “In the past two months alone, we’ve incurred over K8 million in repair expenses due to vandalism,” stated Maumbi.
He emphasized the need for stricter legislation to deter vandalism and hold perpetrators accountable, particularly scrap metal dealers implicated in these incidents.
As Zambia strives to meet its Vision 2030 target of achieving 51% electrification, ZESCO’s ongoing infrastructure developments are pivotal in ensuring sustainable and reliable power supply across various economic sectors.
