(Ecofin Agency) - In Zambia, Muchinga Power Company Limited (MPCL) will spend $900 million to develop a 330MW hydropower dam. The project which aims to boost renewables share in the country’s energy mix also includes construction of a 66km-long 330kV power transmission line. It will connect the hydropower station to the country’s grid, Daily Mail indicates.

“MPCL intends to develop a hydropower project with installed capacity of 240-330 megawatts on Lunsemfwa and Mkushi rivers. The total investment cost is estimated to be US$700 million to US$900 million. Investment in energy is a prerequisite to achieving commercial and industrial development in Zambia. The generation of energy through hydropower is a proven technology that is sustainable and which is actively being promoted at national level in Zambia,” the firm said in a statement.

The plant is expected to have a lifeline of 20 years and could need rehabilitation after this period.

MPCL was established and is owned by the Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, Zambia’s leading independent power producer. The company currently owns in the country two hydropower dams with a combined capacity of 56MW and plans to generate 500MW of electricity, by 2020.

Gwladys Johnson