Can battery storage be used with solar photovoltaics in Zambia?

The Zambian regulation foresees customs duty and VAT exemptions for most equipment used in renewable energy or battery storage projects. Detailed information is provided in In this section, we discuss the opportunity of battery storage in combination with solar photovoltaics from a financial point of view.

What does the Electricity Act do in Zambia?

The Electricity Act regulates the generation, trans-mission, distribution and supply of electricity to enhance the security and reliability of electricity sup-ply in Zambia. It codifies the rules on tariff setting and introduces the concept of intermediary power trading, a concept that was missing from the previous regulatory framework.

How can Zambia close the energy access gap?

Zambia will need to adopt a comprehensive and robust approach to address these challenges to close its energy access gap and reach universal access to clean, modern, reliable, and affordable energy. It must prioritize the provision of electricity to its burgeoning population by scaling up mini-gird investment.

What percentage of Zambia's Electricity is solar?

Less than 1% of Zambia’s electricity is produced from non-hydro renewable energy sources. With approximately 3000 annual sunshine hours and an average irradiation of 5.5 kWh/m 2 /day, Zambia is a prime site for solar power plants and solar mini-grid development (United Nations Development Programme, ; Zambia Ministry of Energy, ; ZESCO, ).

How can a solar system improve Zambia's energy access?

Solutions incorporating both the extension of the main grid and the installation of mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems will be required to improve Zambia’s energy access and ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7).

Can a mini-grid solve energy access challenges in Zambia?

Access to reliable electricity is a fundamental driver of economic development and improved quality of life. In Zambia, as in many parts of the world, the mini-grid sector has emerged as a promising solution to address energy access challenges in remote and underserved areas.