Solarcentury Africa and Alensy Break Ground on Globeleq’s 56 MWp Kafue Solar Project in Zambia

Independent power producer Globeleq has appointed Solarcentury Africa, working jointly with Alensy Energy Solutions, as EPC Contractor for the 56 MWp Kafue Solar Project in Zambia's Lusaka Province. The announcement comes as the project reaches financial close, with construction beginning immediately.

Expanded Role and Project Overview

Solarcentury Africa's involvement extends beyond the EPC role: the company also served as Technical Development Partner to Globeleq and brought in Alensy Energy Solutions to share delivery of the EPC scope.

The plant was developed by Globeleq and secured through the GET FiT Zambia Programme. Under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with ZESCO, it will feed clean electricity into the Zambian grid once operational.

Development Finance Behind the Deal

Funding was provided by FMO and British International Investment (BII), while the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) is supporting key grid infrastructure upgrades.

Housing Supply and Carbon Savings Projected

When complete, the project is expected to deliver clean, reliable electricity to approximately 38,000 households and avoid around 48,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.

At the height of construction, roughly 200 employment opportunities are anticipated for local Zambians, with long-term operational positions to follow once the facility reaches commercial operation.

Generation Targeted for Q3 2027

Electricity generation is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.

For Solarcentury Africa, the project adds to a track record of developing and delivering utility-scale renewable energy projects across Africa.

Executives Weigh In on the Partnership

Jason de Carteret, Chief Executive Officer of Solarcentury Africa, said, "We are delighted to have supported Globeleq in bringing the Kafue Solar Project to financial close and are proud to be delivering this important project as a co-developer and EPC Contractor. We look forward to working closely with Globeleq and Alensy Energy Solutions Zambia to deliver the project safely, efficiently, and on schedule."

Norbert Dörgeloh, Chief Executive Officer of Alensy Energy Solutions, said, "Adding a client of Globeleq's standing to our portfolio is a significant step for Alensy, and we are fortunate to have a strong partner in Solarcentury Africa. Together, we are confident of meeting Globeleq's expectations as we deliver our third large utility-scale project in Zambia."

Jonathan Hoffman, CEO of Globeleq, said, "The Kafue Solar project highlights how partnerships between the private sector and public partners like ZESCO can help deliver Zambia's economic and energy ambitions. By strengthening the grid in a key industrial region, it will support growth, enable more reliable power for businesses and communities, and contribute to a more sustainable, lower-carbon energy system."

The Players Behind the Project

Solarcentury Africa is a UK-headquartered renewable energy developer with more than a decade of experience delivering solar PV and energy storage projects across Africa. Part of the BB Energy Group, the company specializes in smart energy technologies that provide clean, reliable power to businesses, utilities, and communities.

Alensy is a turnkey utility-scale EPC and O&M contractor based in Southern Africa with 15 years of experience. Founded in Namibia in 2011, where its actively involved founders and head office remain, the company delivers solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage, and hybrid power plants, including associated medium and high voltage grid integration works. Its installed base stands at 157 MW of utility-scale projects, with O&M services provided for a further 166 MWp.

Globeleq develops, owns, and operates electricity generation across Africa. Since 2002, it has assembled a portfolio of independent power plants currently generating 1,660 MW across 17 plants in seven countries, with 665 MW under construction and more than 2,000 MW in development. The company is owned by British International Investment and Norfund, the UK and Norwegian development finance institutions.