Noel Iyombwa
Lusaka – The Zambian government has launched the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) at a cost of £1.3 million (about US$1.78 million) to improve electricity generation.
Energy Minister Mathew Nkhuwa said the project was supported by a British government grant.
He said implementation of the IRP would improve long-term reliability, affordability, efficiency and security of electricity supply, while keeping pace with economic growth and development.
“It will also minimise the short-term and long-term economic cost of delivering electricity services and ascertain Zambia’s investment needs for medium and long term and provide a conducive environment for business planning,” Minister Nkhuwa said.
British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley said the private sector was constantly bringing new options to the market to reduce the overall cost of developing and operating power systems and to enhance access and quality for energy users.
The ambassador said this would be done through renewable power technologies, operation of smart grids and control systems, and putting energy users more in control of their own energy use.
