14 November 2024: ENGIE Energy Access, Africa’s leading provider of off-grid solar solutions, is celebrating a major milestone in Zambia with the inauguration of five new solar mini-grids. The project inauguration marks a significant advancement in the company’s ongoing efforts to expand clean, reliable, and sustainable energy access across the country, transforming the lives of the Zambian people.
The project is part of the, “Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production” (IAEREP) initiative, funded by the European Union through the Government of Zambia under the 11th European Development Fund. In addition to the ENGIE equity injection, it is also partially financed through the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), managed by Cygnum Capital.
Transforming Lives Through Clean Energy
The launch of the five mini-grids is part of ENGIE Energy Access’s broader current commitment to deliver 71 solar mini-grids across Zambia over the next two years. This initiative will provide clean energy to more than 70,000 lives in rural communities across Zambia. With a total installed capacity of 5.7MW, the mini-grids will power homes, schools, healthcare centers, businesses, and government offices, greatly enhancing quality of life and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
The first fifteen sites in this portfolio, located in Lusinde, Kandongwa, Nyimba Mwana, Chidiwa, Chataika, and others in Eastern Province, are all expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024. ENGIE Energy Access, in partnership with SagemCom as the contracted EPC, will construct, own, and maintain the mini-grids, ensuring reliable power for residential and commercial customers. This will bring clean cooking options, e-mobility opportunities, and irrigation solutions for sustainable agricultural growth, all contributing to the climate resilience and environmental goals of Zambia.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Chataika Mini-grid site in Sinda District, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access, Gillian-Alexandre Huart, highlighted the significance of the project: “Today’s inauguration represents a powerful step forward in our mission to bring life-changing, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to the underserved communities in Zambia. These solar mini-grids are a game-changer for these communities. By providing clean energy, we are lighting up homes and empowering women and men, supporting businesses, in building a cleaner, more sustainable future. We are thrilled to anchor our ambition in the 1,000 mini-grid vision of H.E. the President of the Republic of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema. I am very proud of our dedicated team and grateful for our strong partnerships with the EU and the Government of Zambia.“
Helen Zulu, Country Director for ENGIE Energy Access Zambia, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development: “Our team is deeply dedicated to creating opportunities for rural communities in alignment with our mission to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy solutions. These mini-grids define the true meaning of life changing solutions, they will fuel entrepreneurship, improve education, and support better health outcomes for thousands of Zambians. We remain committed to going the extra mile in progressing energy access for communities that are beyond the grid.”
With its focus on electrification ENGIE Energy Access seeks to empower local economies. The company is committed to supporting over 1,300 rural businesses by providing access to affordable, clean energy for productive use. Through a strategic partnership with Customized Energy Solutions (CES), a Productive Use appliance financing company, it is helping entrepreneurs thrive, particularly in agriculture, education, and small-scale industry.
Chifunda Sikazwe, Head of Mini-Grid Operations at ENGIE Energy Access, shared: “Our solar mini-grids are designed to be simple yet highly adaptable and reliable in delivering service. We have utilized the latest technology and offer a flexible pay-as-you-go model through smart metering making electricity accessible to customers with varying payment capacities. Additionally, we prioritize safety in construction and are committed to strong environmental stewardship throughout Zambia.”
A Strong Commitment to SDG 7
ENGIE Energy Access’s mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Seven (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. As part of its broader strategy, ENGIE Energy Access Zambia contributes to a larger initiative aimed at connecting millions of people across Africa who still lack access to reliable electricity.
