(Ecofin Agency) - In Zambia, Tata Power and Zesco (Zambian power utility) just commissioned the hydropower project of Itezhi Tezhi. “We are delighted to announce the commissioning of both units of the Itezhi Tezhi hydro power project. It is a major milestone for us as it takes us a step forward to make our international footprints stronger, said Anil Sardana,” CEO MD, Tata Power.

The Indian firm has a 50% stake in the project which has a capacity of 120 MW. It was built on the Itezhi Tezhi dam which was to initially serve as reservoir of the Kafue Gorge hydroelectric plant. However, due to the power deficit that occurred in the 2000s, government had to reconvert the dam into a hydroelectric plant. The Tata Power plant was established according to a 25-year BOOT model (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer).

“Hydro power is an intrinsic part of Tata Power's clean energy mix and the company aims to acquire hydro projects aggressively, wherever the opportunity arises. As a part of its commitment towards green energy, the company aims to develop 20-25 per cent of their total capacity through clean and renewable energy sources,” a statement from Tata Power said. Overall, it has installed about 9,036 MW of various types of energies.

Gwladys Johnson