Zambia opens second stage of 100 MW solar tender

The Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia has announced the beginning of the second step in the bidding process for the development of 100 MW of solar power projects across the country.

According to local sources the 11 pre-qualified companies have until April 9, 2016 to submit their technical and financial proposals (Request For Proposals) for the project development.

The list of pre-qualified companies is formed by:

• EDF Energie Nouvelle
• Scatec Solar
• Access Eren Zambia 1
• Mulilo Zambia PV1 Consortium
• Enel Green Power (EGP)
• Globeleq
• International Power SA & Engie
• Neoen & First Solar
• Shanghai Electric Power & Avic
• Africa Infrastructure Investment Fund 2 – Old Mutual Life Insurance Company & Cobra & CDE
• Grupo T-Solar, SA

At the end of the process, two companies will be chosen to build the projects totalling 100 MW solar power plant and they must sign a 25-year power purchase (PPA) agreement in order to transmit the plant electricity output to the national grid. The projects will be built on separate sites and developed by different private sector firms.

Construction of the solar arrays is expected to start by the end of this year.

This 100 MW tender is the first stage of the Scaling Solar Program in Zambia. This Program brings together a suite of World Bank Group services under a single engagement aimed at creating viable markets for solar power across Africa.

The program aims to make privately funded grid-connected solar projects operational within two years and at competitive tariffs.

The second stage for Zambia, which will be 200 MW, will also be launched soon, according to Industrial Development Corporation director.