ENGIE advances clean energy in Zambia with 15 solar mini grids

ZAMBIA – ENGIE Energy Access, a provider of Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) and mini-grid solutions has commenced constructing 15 solar mini-grids in Zambia’s Eastern Province.

This initiative is part of the Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) program, funded by the 11th European Development Fund and the European Union.

ENGIE Energy Access, through its subsidiary MySol Grid Zambia, will construct, own, operate, and maintain these mini-grid projects.

The expansion of off-grid energy solutions in Zambia aims to deliver reliable electricity to underserved families and small businesses, thereby fostering economic growth and improving socio-economic welfare in local communities.

“We are excited to announce this significant milestone, which brings ENGIE Energy Access closer to achieving its goal of operating 60 mini-grids across five provinces in Zambia,” said Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access.

“This project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, by delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable clean energy to 40,000 people living in rural areas.”

The initial sites for the projects include Lusinde, Kandongwa, Nyimba Mwana, Chidiwa, Chataika, Kanyanga, Petulo, Kasamba, Chidiwa, Mphole, Mung’omba, Kalambana, Mtore, Kondwelani, Lunga, and Luamphande, with plans to have them operational by the end of 2024.

In 2023, MySol Grid Zambia secured a USD 7.5 million debt facility from the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI), managed by Cygnum Capital.

This funding will provide the necessary resources and flexibility to construct 60 mini-grids under the IAEREP program.

ENGIE notes that this funding marks a significant step for the mini-grid sector, with these assets attracting non-recourse long-term financing.

Since establishing its presence in Zambia in 2017, ENGIE Energy Access has grown to over 250 employees, 650 independent sales agents, and more than 60 points of presence nationwide.

The company has sold over 300,000 solar home system (SHS) kits and has one operational mini-grid in Chitandika.

As Africa’s leading PAYGO and mini-grid solutions provider, ENGIE Energy Access develops innovative off-grid solar solutions for homes, public services, and businesses, enabling customers and distribution partners to access clean, affordable energy.

The PAYGO solar home systems are financed through affordable installments, and the mini-grids promote economic development by enabling productive electrical use and creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs in rural communities.

ENGIE Energy Access operates in nine African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia), with over 1,800 employees, 2.5 million customers, and more than 12.5 million lives served. The company aims to serve 20 million lives across Africa by 2025.

For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.