Zambia is taking a major step toward fixing its long standing electricity challenges, with leading African power producer Globeleq moving forward with a US$315 million solar and battery hybrid project that could reshape the country’s energy mix.
The project, known as the Leopard’s Hill Solar and Battery facility, will combine a 250 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant with a 150 megawatt battery storage system capable of delivering up to four hours of stored electricity. This makes it the largest hybrid renewable energy project currently under development in Zambia.
Located near Lusaka, the country’s capital, the facility is expected to supply electricity to around 150,000 households once completed. The project is targeting completion by 2029, with financial close expected before the end of 2026 and construction projected to take about two years.
At its core, the project reflects a broader global shift toward pairing renewable energy with battery storage. Solar power alone is intermittent, meaning it only generates electricity when the sun is shining. By adding battery storage, excess energy produced during the day can be stored and released later, especially during peak demand periods or at night.
This approach is particularly important for Zambia, where more than 80 percent of electricity generation depends on hydropower. While hydropower has historically provided a stable energy source, it has become increasingly unreliable due to climate related challenges such as droughts. Reduced rainfall can significantly lower water levels in dams, cutting electricity production and triggering power shortages.
These energy disruptions have had real economic consequences. Zambia’s mining sector, especially copper production, is heavily dependent on consistent electricity supply. Frequent outages have constrained industrial output and slowed economic growth, making energy diversification a national priority.
The Leopard’s Hill project is expected to play a key role in addressing these challenges by improving grid stability. The battery system will help regulate voltage and frequency while ensuring electricity is available during peak demand periods. This will reduce reliance on hydropower and create a more balanced and resilient energy system.
Globeleq, which is backed by institutions such as British International Investment and Norfund, has been expanding its footprint across Africa with a focus on renewable energy. The company already operates several power projects across the continent and holds stakes in existing energy assets in Zambia, including hydropower facilities and solar plants.
The project also aligns with Zambia’s broader ambition to expand its electricity capacity and modernize its energy infrastructure. The government has set long term targets to increase installed generation capacity while attracting more private sector investment into the power sector.
In addition to the solar battery project, Zambia is exploring regional energy integration. Plans are underway for new transmission infrastructure linking Zambia to neighboring countries such as Tanzania, which could provide alternative power sources and strengthen regional energy trade.
These developments highlight a growing trend across Africa, where countries are increasingly turning to hybrid renewable systems to meet rising energy demand. As costs for solar panels and battery storage continue to decline, such projects are becoming more financially viable and attractive to investors.
However, challenges remain. Large scale energy projects require significant upfront investment, regulatory stability and strong coordination between governments and private developers. Ensuring that the generated power reaches consumers efficiently and affordably will also be critical.
Despite these hurdles, the Leopard’s Hill project represents a major step forward. It signals a shift from dependence on a single energy source toward a more diversified and modern system capable of supporting economic growth.
For Zambia, the stakes are high. Reliable electricity is not just about keeping the lights on, it is essential for industrial expansion, job creation and long term development. If successfully delivered, this project could serve as a model for other African countries facing similar energy challenges.
