Zambia Marks Major Energy Milestone With Launch of SANY Green Mine Solar Microgrid in Chiyawa

Chiawa, Zambia — Zambia’s transition toward clean, reliable, and affordable energy has reached a significant milestone with the launch of the SANY Green Mine Solar Microgrid Solution in Chiawa, a development the government says will accelerate national energy independence and strengthen the mining sector.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said the solar microgrid represents a major step toward reducing reliance on imported diesel and boosting Zambia’s energy self-sufficiency.

“This new solar microgrid will help raise Zambia’s energy self-sufficiency to 45 percent,” Mr. Kabuswe said. “It will cut carbon emissions, reduce noise pollution, lower operational costs, and improve production efficiency across mining operations.”

The minister noted that dependable power remains a critical barrier to mining growth, and clean energy systems like the one launched in Chiawa are essential for modernizing the sector and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the same event, ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube praised microgrid technology as a practical, scalable solution for rural electrification and a tool for bridging Zambia’s long-standing urban–rural energy divide.

He highlighted the severity of the country’s current energy challenge stating that Zambia faces an electricity deficit of 800M,

Ncube said during the dry season, nationwide power outages average over 8 hours per day stating that these outages harm households, disrupt industries, and slow economic growth

Mr. Ncube said industrial microgrids are already transforming energy security in the mining sector.

He cited SANY’s hybrid solar + storage + backup microgrid at Radon Mining, which now provides 24/7 uninterrupted power, eliminating production shutdowns that were once common.

Across the Copperbelt Province, several mining sites have reduced diesel generator use by up to 90%. Collectively, these industrial microgrids are now offsetting 15% of Zambia’s national electricity deficit, providing critical stability for the copper industry the backbone of Zambia’s economy.

Mine Owners Laud Cost Savings and Environmental Gains

Representing the Chiawa Mine owners, Huang Xionghui praised the solar microgrid for dramatically reducing fuel consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact.

She explained that before the project, the mine suffered from costly, polluting, and unstable energy supplies conditions that threatened long-term viability.

“For the mining industry, dependable power has always been a major challenge,” she said. “Chiawa Mine was no exception. Unpredictable power supply and soaring operational expenses restricted our growth and competitiveness.” That changed when SANY Group introduced its advanced integrated microgrid solution.

Xionghui said at Chowa Mine, SANY deployed a system combining solar generation, battery energy storage, and diesel backup, creating a smart energy ecosystem capable of coordinating multiple sources to maintain stable, efficient power what Huang described as a “digital energy wizard.”

She disclosed that the system was successfully connected to the grid on June 5, 2025.Xionghui praised SANY’s professionalism, citing efficient logistics that combined air, land, and sea transport and round-the-clock on-site work that ensured timely delivery.

The launch of the SANY Green Mine Solar Microgrid Solution signals a pivotal shift in Zambia’s mining and energy sectors. As microgrids continue to reduce diesel dependence, power industrial growth, electrify rural communities, and cut carbon emissions, officials say they will remain central to achieving universal access and long-term energy security.

With government officials, energy leaders, and mining representatives united in support, Zambia is positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption and sustainable mining.