Northern Province Energy and Investment Opportunities

Introduction: 
The Province is dynamically evolving its energy landscape. Despite the broad reach of the national grid through the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), areas like Chilubi Island and Nsama District still face unique challenges.
However, progress is on the horizon with plans to integrate Nsama District into the National Grid. The Province boasts two hydro power stations: Chishimba Falls, currently being upgraded from 6 to 12 megawatts (MW) and Lunzua hydro power station with a capacity of 14 MW.
In rural areas, traditional energy sources like firewood and charcoal dominate, while only three districts are equipped with service stations for petrol, diesel, and paraffin.
Meanwhile, solar power is gradually emerging as a sustainable alternative, signaling a shift towards more diverse and resilient energy solutions.
 
Hydro Power Generation
Overview

Northern Province faces a significant electricity supply shortage, with demand far outstripping the available power from the national grid and Chishimba Falls power station. This situation highlights the urgent need for investment in energy infrastructure.


Potential
    • Hydro Power Sites: The province features 12 waterfalls suitable for hydro-power generation. This potential is vital due to the substantial electricity demand in Northern Province and neighboring regions, including Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi. Surplus power can be sold through Zambia’s national grid via the 66kV/330kV interconnector at Serenje.

 

    • Chishimba Falls: There is an opportunity to expand Chishimba Falls to a 40 megawatt power station. This expansion would not only meet local needs but also create a surplus for export and contribute to the national grid.

 

    • Mini Hydro Stations: Numerous small rivers and streams, such as those in Mporokoso District, offer potential sites for mini hydro stations.

 

  • Solar Power: Recent studies also indicate promising prospects for solar power generation in the region.
 

Fuel Service Stations
Current Situation

The increasing number of motorized vehicles has heightened fuel demand. However, only three of the 11 districts in Northern Province currently have fuel service stations. Key districts like Kaputa, Mungwi, Nsama, and Lunte lack sufficient fuel infrastructure.


Major Investment Opportunities:
  1. Development of Mini Grids (Solar, Hydro, and Bio-Mass)
  2. Create mini grids to improve local energy access and sustainability.

  3. Construction of Rural Fuel Stations
    • Address the deficit by establishing fuel stations in underserved districts.

  4. Fuel Storage Depots
    • Build and upgrade storage facilities to enhance the country’s strategic fuel reserves.

  5. Renewable Energy Enterprises
    • Invest in rural areas to provide renewable energy solutions, including sales and backup services.

  6. Solar Power Generation
    • Develop solar energy projects to diversify and strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure.

  7. Processing and Refinery Plants for Bio-Fuel
    • Establish facilities for the production of bio-fuel to support sustainable energy initiatives.

  8. Manufacturing Plants for Renewable Energy Technologies
    • Set up plants for producing windmills, biogas digesters, solar systems, and gasifiers.

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