News

Draft standards for mini-grids released for public comment

Oct 09, 2019

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in conjunction with Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), have developed the following draft technical standards for mini-grids, which are now available for public comment:

DZS 1191-1:2019  Part 1: Planning and Service Tier Requirements

DZS 1191-2:2019  Part 2: Application of Inverters

DZS 1191-3:2019 Part 3: Overhead Lines for Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Distribution Networks

DZS 1191-4:2019  Part 4:Wood Poles (Distribution and Service Poles)

DZS 1191-5:2019  Part 5: Aerial Bundled Cables (ABC) (0.6/1 kV)

DZS 1191-6:2019  Part 6: Low Voltage (LV) Underground Distribution Network

DZS1191-7:2019 Part 7: Electricity Metering - Minimum Accuracy and Environmental Requirements

DZS 1191-8: 2019 Part 8: Interconnection of Less than 1 MW of Generation with the National Grid

DZS 1191-9:2019  Part 9: Low Cost Interior Wiring of Premises

The general public, interested and affected parties are advised to request the above draft documents from the ERB and ZABS by contacting Ms. Chembo Sichinga at csichinga@erb.org.zm or Ms. Chileshe Kapaya at ckapaya@zabs.org.zm. Written comments should be submitted to ZABS and ERB at the offices listed below no later than Saturday 9th November 2019 and addressed to the following:

1)   The Executive Director, Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Head Office, Lechwe House- Freedom Way South End, P.O. Box 50259 ZA 15101, Ridgeway, Lusaka. Tel: +260 211 231385, Fax: +260 211 238483, E-mail: ceo@zabs.org.zm; and

2)   The Executive Director, Energy Regulation Board (ERB), Head Office, Plot No. 9330, Off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 37631, Lusaka. Tel: +260 211 258844-9, Fax: +260 211 258852, E-mail: erb@erb.org.zm

ERB and ZABS offices are located as follows:

Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Head Office, Lechwe House- Freedom Way South End, P.O. Box 50259 ZA 15101, Ridgeway, Lusaka. Tel: +260 211 231385, Fax: +260 211 238483, E-mail: ceo@zabs.org.zm;

ERB Head Office: Plot No. 9330, off Alick Nkhata Road, P.O. Box 37631, Lusaka. Tel: +260 211 258844-9, Fax: +260 211 258852, E-mail: erb@erb.org.zm;

ERB Copperbelt Region Office: Energy Regulation House, Plot № 332, Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 22281, Kitwe. Tel: +260 212 220941, Fax: +260 212 220945;

ERB Southern Region Office, Plot № 708, Chimwemwe Road, P.O. Box 60292, Livingstone. Tel: +260 213 321562, Fax: +260 213 321576.

ERB Northern Regional Office, Plot No. 76 Mayadi, P.O.BOX 480052, CHINSALI. Tel: +260214565170, Fax: +260214565171

To ensure effective consultation, a stakeholder consultative workshop will be held to highlight the salient provisions of the draft technical standards and allow stakeholders to provide their comments before the standards are finalised and approved for use as Zambian Standards. The workshop is scheduled for 23rd October 2019 from 09:00h to 13:00h at Southern Sun, Lusaka. Stakeholders wishing to participate in the workshop are kindly requested to RSVP by email to bchilembo@erb.org.zm by 18th October 2019.

Enel Foundation launches its flagship training initiative, Open Africa Power 2020

Oct 09, 2019 Link

Enel Foundation announced the launch of the Open Africa Power 2020 call for applications and confirmed the new edition will start in February 2020. The third edition of the flagship training initiative will host its African residential module in South Africa, in partnership with the Graduate School of Business at the prestigious University of Cape Town. 

The call for applications is open from October 1st to October 31st to high-profile African students undergoing or having completed Master’s, MBA or PhD studies in African universities. After receiving more than 400 applications in the previous edition, Open Africa Power is welcoming candidates who want to acquire an holistic know-how of the electricity sector, enhancing their technical, regulatory and business skills required to work in the private and public sector towards the electrification of Africa. African candidates currently living abroad but wanting to relocate back to Africa will also be admitted, as one of the program’s aims is to contribute to talent retention in the continent.

Enel Foundation invites interested candidates to review the call for applications available at the Enel Foundation website and those fulfilling the required criteria to submit their applications via the dedicated online platform using the verification code (OAP20CFA) until October 31st 2019. After visiting Kenya and Ethiopia in the previous editions, Open Africa Power will take place in one of Africa’s most important power market hubs facing relevant energy challenges that require a new generation of young, skilled and talented leaders.

Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia wins Ashden Award

Jul 03, 2019 Link

The Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia (BGFZ), supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), was recognised by the Ashden Awards, for its use of an innovative results-based financing mechanism to kick-start a market for affordable off-grid energy services in Zambia. The BGFZ was launched in 2016 with the aim of expanding access to clean off-grid energy services in rural and peri-urban areas in Zambia. The four companies supported by the programme are on track to reach 1.6 million Zambians by 2021, well over the target of one million Zambians.



Solar Industry Association of Zambia launched

Jun 20, 2019

The Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ) was officially launched in Lusaka. SIAZ will serve as an effective, action-oriented platform for the private sector within Zambia's rapidly-growing off-grid solar industry (solar home systems and mini/micro grids).

Zambian Government, supported by the EU, launches call for proposals for off-grid and energy efficiency projects

May 08, 2019 Link

The Zambian Government, with support from the European Union Increased Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) program and financial assistance from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), is seeking proposals for increasing access to electricity services within rural areas and promoting efficient use of energy for productive and social purposes. The full guidelines for the call, with reference EuropeAid/163900/ID/ACT/ZM, are available at https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome.

ENGIE launches its first mini-grid in Zambia

Apr 03, 2019 Link

ENGIE commenced operations at its first PowerCorner mini-grid in Chitandika village. The mini-grid will supply energy to households, businesses and public services, including the Rural Health Centre and two schools, which previously lacked access to modern energy services. ENGIE’s solar home systems business, Fenix, has also been expanding services in Zambia, reaching 70,000 households.

SIDA announces the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa

Feb 22, 2019 Link

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) announced the Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA), with the goal of supporting affordable, renewable and reliable energy services for 5 to 15 million poor consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program will run over five years, at USD 10 million per year, for a total of USD 50 million. Funding will be awarded to energy services the companies that present sustainable business models for expanding off-grid electricity solutions. The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa is modelled on the Beyond the Grid Fund for Zambia, and will target Burkina Faso, Liberia, and Mozambique, as well as providing further support in Zambia.


Energy Regulation Board approves Regulatory Framework for mini-grids in Zambia

Nov 01, 2018 Link

In October 2018, the Energy Regulation Board approved a regulatory framework for mini-grids in Zambia, which sets out requirements in terms of licensing, tariffs and technical regulations. This framework will be road-tested, and adjustments incorporated into the framework before gazetting. The regulatory framework documents are available in the Library section of this portal.