The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)

The IRP is a 30 year plan developed as a least cost investment strategy for electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure that will ensure national energy sufficiency and surplus. Two

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ZAMBIA’S INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN LAUNCH

Approved by the Cabinet in November 2023, the Ministry Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the electricity sector is officially launching on Feb 13, 2024. The publication of this document marks a pivotal step towards a sustainable and diversified power future for Zambia. This comprehensive 30-year electricity planning roadmap will ensure that Zambia is equipped to meet the growing power demands of its dynamic society.

Key features of the IRP include:

A diversified energy mix: The plan promotes a balanced approach, incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, alongside traditional resources, such as hydropower (focused in the North of Zambia), for a reliable and sustainable power supply.
Enhanced energy security: The IRP strengthens energy security through domestic resource development and optimized energy infrastructure investments, reducing reliance on imported energy sources.
Sustainable development: The plan prioritizes environmentally responsible power generation, contributing to Zambia’s overall sustainable development goals and reducing future greenhouse gas emissions by growing green.

The IRP Reports

Learn about the different reports that make up Zambia’s Integrated Resource Plan

IRP Summary Report

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If you read one report from the IRP – this should be it.

The IRP Summary Report encapsulates the key considerations, technical insights, and investment implications derived from various facets of the Integrated Resource Plan.

Introduction and Framework 

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This guiding document Introduces the framework adopted in the development of the IRP and provides guidance on navigating its contents.

Electricity Demand Forecasting

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How does Zambia predict it future demand for energy? By a detailed economic forecast with input from the government on their vision for the future.

The Electricity Demand Forecasting Report provides the foundational groundwork for the IRP by offering demand growth projections for the next 30 years across five key consumption segments: (i) residential, (ii) commercial and industrial, (iii) agriculture, (iv) mining, and (v) electrification of transport.

Electricity Generation

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Presents the least-cost generation plan, drawing from the demand assessment and transmission infrastructure plans. The plan entails a diversified energy mix, with substantial investments in solar, wind and hydro in the near term (2030), complemented by thermal in the later years.

Transmission Infrastructure

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Offers careful analysis of the existing transmission lines in comparison to current and future needs and presents a rigorously tested plan to enhance the infrastructure. Coordinated meticulously with demand growth and generation investment timing, the proposed transmission investments are designed to facilitate the timely connection of new generation and demand centres. 

Distribution

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Building on the Transmission Infrastructure plans, the distribution plan outlines the distribution investments necessary to ensure that power from bulk supply high-voltage substations reaches end customers, maintaining high quality and reliability of supply.

Climate Responsive Electricity Planning

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Outlines the primary climate risks confronting the electricity sector in Zambia and provides recommendations for mitigating these risks.  The report provides specific guidance on how to treat climate change impacts on hydrology.  

The Human Dimension of the IRP

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Offers an analysis of issues related to the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the energy sector. It also provides recommendations on how to integrate gender equality and social inclusion in future projects proposed in the IRP, aligning with the Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan (GESAP) for the energy sector. Furthermore, it introduces the first Social Safeguards Framework for Zambia, proposed for application in all energy infrastructure projects to prevent adverse impacts and maximise the positive effects of these projects on Zambia and Zambians. 