The Zambian Government together with the private sector are working on a strategy to find an efficient solution to the power supply shortage that is currently hitting the country.
In an interview with Reuters, Zambian Government’s spokesman Chishimba Kambwili explained that the Government is asking mining and consultancy companies whether to import power or to reduce supply to some mines due to the current 560 MW deficit.
The Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) explained that it is planning a mixed solution by reducing supply, importing power and accelerating the construction of the Batoka hydro-electric project between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
ZESCO is planning to import 100 MW of energy from ships docked at the sea, but it has not specified wether it will be in the form of crude or natural gas.
In addition, ZESCO is also cooperating with consultancy company Ernst & Young to fund and accelerate the development of the Batoka hydroelectric project.
The strategy is expected not only help Zambia to solve the power shortage situation and to meet local energy needs, but to set the basis to make Zambia a net power exporter with less reliance on coal fired power stations.
