In a significant move toward bolstering sustainable energy solutions, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has unveiled its commitment to a feasibility study grant for REV-UP Solar Ventures Zambia (REV-UP).
This grant is poised to support the development of an expansive solar power project in Zambia’s North-Western Province, aiming to provide clean and stable electricity to both Zambian communities and industries.
USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong highlighted the agency’s partnership with REV-UP Solar Ventures as a strategic step towards achieving the Zambian government’s ambitious goal of universal electricity access by 2030. “U.S. companies are well-positioned to provide technologies and solutions for this project, enhancing economic growth and improving the quality of life for Zambians,” stated Director Ebong.
The initiative also holds the potential to fortify battery supply chains, a crucial aspect of sustainable energy infrastructure.
The feasibility study will delve into technical and financial aspects crucial for the implementation of the power project, which is designed to integrate 200 megawatts of solar energy generation capacity with cutting-edge battery energy storage.
Zambia is currently grappling with a shortage of reliable electricity, attributed to surging demand and reduced hydropower generation linked to climate change-induced declines in precipitation.
Notably, this marks USTDA’s second foray into battery energy storage projects in Zambia, building on a feasibility study and pilot project in Zambia’s Sesheke District earlier this year.
Co-Managing Directors of REV-UP, Brett Shere, and Lubilo Mate expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for USTDA’s support towards the Mulonga Project in Solwezi, Zambia. They highlighted the project’s innovative nature, set to provide green energy to responsible copper and cobalt mines in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This aligns with the global clean energy transition’s principles, ensuring minerals crucial for this transition are produced sustainably.
REV-UP aims to contribute to Zambia’s emergence as a regional electricity export hub and a leader in electricity sector creativity and innovation across sub-Saharan Africa.
The collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and USTDA is seen as a pivotal step in achieving these ambitious goals.
The USTDA’s feasibility study aligns with Power Africa, a U.S. government-led initiative addressing energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI)’s Lobito Corridor, and the U.S.-Zambia-DRC Tri-partite MOU focused on strengthening electric vehicle battery value chains in the region. This multifaceted approach underscores the agency’s commitment to driving impactful change in the African energy landscape.
