Zambia has long relied on hydropower, which still generates over 80% of the nation’s electricity. This underscores the country’s remarkable clean energy credentials. However, a dependence on hydropower presents challenges, particularly during periods of drought, as witnessed in recent years. To address this, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)—a comprehensive 30-year investment strategy for the electricity sector—aimed to diversify Zambia’s energy mix and enhance its resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The IRP envisions a significant shift in Zambia’s energy landscape. By 2030, more than 30% of the country’s electricity generation capacity is expected to come from variable renewable energy (VRE), such as wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) sources, compared to just 3% in 2020. Looking ahead to 2050, these sources are projected to dominate, contributing more than 50% of the generation mix. However, wind and solar power rely on fluctuating natural conditions, like wind speeds and sunlight, making their output inherently variable. This underscores the critical need for energy storage solutions to capture excess energy during periods of high generation and ensure a stable, reliable power supply during times of low output. As Zambia embraces this shift, energy storage will play a central role in securing the country’s renewable energy future.
Hydropower infrastructure, including the Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi dams, already serves as a natural energy “battery,” providing essential balancing for VRE sources. However, as the share of VRE in the energy mix increases, further exploration of advanced energy storage technologies becomes crucial. Recognising this need, the Ministry of Energy has initiated collaborative efforts to assess the role and applicability of various energy storage technologies in Zambia’s power sector.
A stakeholder workshop held in August of 2024 to help understand the commercial value of energy storage in Lusaka marked an important step in this initiative. The workshop outlined a multi-phase approach to integrate energy storage into Zambia’s energy framework. The initial phases focus on assessing existing hydro storage facilities, examining their operational dynamics, and evaluating their resilience to climate variability. This assessment will inform strategies for optimising dam operations and recovery.
Simultaneously, a comprehensive review of emerging energy storage technologies is underway. Key technologies under consideration include battery energy storage systems, pumped hydro storage, and thermal energy storage systems. These technologies are being evaluated for their potential to complement Zambia’s renewable energy ambitions and enhance grid reliability.
In addition to technological solutions, the initiative will explore energy storage trading opportunities within Zambia and the broader regional electricity market. By integrating energy storage into cross-border trading mechanisms, Zambia can unlock new economic opportunities while strengthening its role in the regional energy ecosystem.
This ambitious work is supported by technical expertise and guided by advanced energy storage modelling to ensure actionable and sustainable outcomes. The Ministry of Energy is collaborating with key stakeholders, including AfricaGreenCO, WWF, ZESCO, and the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), to drive this work forward.
Deliverables from this initiative will include detailed technical reports and workshops designed to foster collaboration among stakeholders. The findings will provide a roadmap for integrating energy storage solutions, enhancing grid stability, optimising renewable resource utilisation, and creating new economic opportunities in Zambia’s energy sector.
In conclusion, energy storage is more than a technological requirement—it is the cornerstone of a resilient, sustainable, and green energy future for Zambia. By embracing innovative storage solutions, Zambia is taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, more reliable, and prosperous energy sector.