GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH CHINESE FIRM LONGI GREEN ENERGY TO BOOST SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH CHINESE FIRM LONGI GREEN ENERGY TO BOOST SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Government has reached an agreement in principle with Longi Green Energy Technology Company, a leading Chinese solar energy firm, to implement the development, generation, and supply of solar energy across Zambia. This collaboration is expected to transform Zambia into a regional hub for solar energy, leveraging the country’s strategic central location.

Longi Green Energy, based in Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, is recognized as a global leader in solar energy solutions. The agreement will see the company work with the Zambian government to develop solar energy infrastructure at household, institutional, and national levels.

President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized government’s commitment to transitioning from a hydro-dependent energy system to a more diversified energy mix. He highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing Zambia’s energy challenges and reducing the country’s vulnerability to droughts, which have severely impacted hydroelectric power generation in recent years.

“We have an agenda to fundamentally change our energy mix because we were largely dependent on hydro power. One worse drought in living memory wipes out our capacity, and this is an opportunity to invest in alternative energy,” said President Hichilema. “Yes, we believe we are on our way to solving our energy problems, and this is only the beginning.”

President Hichilema convinced Longi to support his proposal for off-grid energy solutions that would enable households and communities to generate solar power, with any excess fed into the national grid. He urged Zambians to consider installing rooftop solar panels, not just for personal use but also as a means to contribute to the country’s energy supply.

The partnership is also expected to create jobs for Zambians and facilitate technology transfer. Additionally, President Hichilema called on Members of Parliament to support the Zambia Wildlife and Protected Areas Bill, which will incorporate Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to ensure full sector participation and the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs.

Longi Green Energy Technology Company Chairman, Zhengou Li, expressed his company’s readiness to assist Zambia in overcoming its energy crisis and transitioning to renewable energy. Speaking through an interpreter, Mr. Li noted the importance of solar energy as a cornerstone of global economic activities and expressed honor in contributing to Zambia’s energy solutions.

Longi’s Head of Operations for Asia and Africa, James Jin, described Zambia as ideally positioned for an energy transition due to its abundant natural resources. He revealed that Longi invested $1 billion in research last year to continue innovating in solar energy solutions and highlighted Zambia as Longi’s flagship energy strategy for Africa.

President Hichilema, who is attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), underscored the importance of collaboration with Chinese companies like Longi Green Energy and Tebian Electric Apparatus (TBA) to drive investment in the energy sector. He stressed that research and development are key to overcoming challenges such as drought and achieving Zambia’s development goals.

Accompanying President Hichilema to Longi Green Energy Technology Company were Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote, Principal Private Secretary Bradford Machila, Zambia’s Ambassador to China Ivan Zyulu, and other senior government officials.