Mining drives energy demand

Zambia's mining industry, the country's biggest electricity user, consumed about 9.8 terawatt-hours of power in 2025, making up 63% of the nation's total electricity use. This high demand has pushed the sector to seek alternative energy sources, especially after electricity shortages linked to a 2024 drought.

Private solar project announced

On October 29, Solarcentury Africa partnered with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) to build an 112 MWp solar plant in the Northwest Province. This facility will mainly power FQM’s Sentinel copper mine and Enterprise nickel mine, with Solarcentury responsible for its operation and YEO handling construction.

FQM’s energy strategy

FQM has been diversifying its electricity sources for years. According to its third-quarter 2026 results, the company meets about 80% of its power needs in Zambia through imports and private producers, rather than the state-owned ZESCO. It is also working with TotalEnergies on a 430 MW solar and wind project.

Solarcentury expands in Zambia

Solarcentury added 34.5 MWp of capacity at its Mailo site on October 21, raising its total operational capacity to 59.5 MWp. This growth follows the 2024 reforms that made it easier for private energy producers to connect to Zambia’s electricity grid.

Future energy needs rising

Zambia’s national energy plan forecasts the mining sector’s power needs to jump to 1,552 MW by 2030, up from 886 MW in 2020. This increase is expected to support the government’s goal of boosting annual copper production to 3 million tons.