LUSAKA, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Thursday restarted operations at a plant that will generate 105 megawatts of electricity from heavy fuel oils, aiming to address the current energy deficit in the country.
Ndola Energy Company Limited, an independent power producer and a subsidiary of GL Africa Energy, will supply this electricity to the national grid.
Minister of Energy Peter Kapala expressed his satisfaction with the company, located in Ndola city in the Copperbelt province, for responding to the government's call for independent producers to invest in alternative energy sources to mitigate the deficit.
It will add substantial power to the national grid, helping address the power shortage, said Kapala during the launch. "This is enough to power the entire city of Ndola. Therefore, it will contribute positively to powering the economy."
The company has assured that the first 50 megawatts of electricity will be added to the national grid in the coming months once a power purchase agreement is signed with Zesco Limited, the national power utility.
Kapala also urged other independent power producers to take advantage of the conducive environment provided by the government and invest in alternative energy sources.
Brian Mushimba, chief executive officer of GL Africa Energy Limited's Power Division, commended the government for its support in restarting production and the opportunity to contribute to the country's energy needs.
The company had halted operations in 2022 following the closure of Indeni Petroleum Refinery, where it sourced its raw materials.
