Zambia smart energy storage policy institute

Can battery storage be used with solar photovoltaics in Zambia?

The Zambian regulation foresees customs duty and VAT exemptions for most equipment used in renewable energy or battery storage projects. Detailed information is provided in In this section, we discuss the opportunity of battery storage in combination with solar photovoltaics from a financial point of view.

How can a solar system improve Zambia's energy access?

Solutions incorporating both the extension of the main grid and the installation of mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems will be required to improve Zambia’s energy access and ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7).

How to address Zambia's energy access gap?

To help address Zambia’s energy access gap, decentralized energy systems, including solar mini-grids, will need to be deployed. Zambia needs to bolster investments to scale mini-grid development by creating a more enabling investment environment through transparent, predictable, simpler, and fair regulation.

What is Zambia's national energy policy?

One of the critical objectives of Zambia’s National Energy Policy of 2019 is to increase electricity access to improve the lives of Zambians. To operationalize this, it has included the development of mini-grids in the integration plan for the policy, implemented between 2020 and 2025 (The National Energy Policy, 2019).

How much does storage cost in Zambia?

Zambia, between USD 500/kWh and USD 1,000/ kWh. With 3,650 kWh stored during the lifetime of the system, we can compute a cost of storage of USD 0.14/kWh and USD 0.27/kWh.

Can a mini-grid solve energy access challenges in Zambia?

Access to reliable electricity is a fundamental driver of economic development and improved quality of life. In Zambia, as in many parts of the world, the mini-grid sector has emerged as a promising solution to address energy access challenges in remote and underserved areas.