(Ecofin Agency) - Zambia will add 420 MW to its grid this year, according to its National Development Agency. The additional capacities will come from a 300M MW coal-fired power plant and a 120 MW hydroelectric plant.

“The 300 MW from the Maamba Collieries Coal fired Power Project will be made available in mid-year 2016,” said Partick Chisanga, director of Zambia Development Agency. “The idea is to have a good energy mix because we cannot just rely on hydropower, especially with the current drought,” he added.

Presently, Zambia has a deficit of more than 1,000 MW, for a demand of about 2,000 MW, due to its hydroelectric plants which supply 98% of its energy lacking water to function at full throttle.

Moreover, the country is searching for investors to build a new 200 MW thermal power plant as well as solar plants of a total capacity of 250 MW. Mini-hydraulic plants are also considered.

Gwladys Johnson