Energy expert, Johnstone Chikwanda, has paid tribute to the late former President, Edgar Lungu, highlighting his significant contributions to Zambia’s energy sector during his time in office.
Dr. Chikwanda cited several major energy projects commissioned under President Lungu’s administration, including, the 300-megawatt Maamba Coal-Fired Power Plant, the development of the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station and the commissioning of Zambia’s largest solar power plants at the time.
He noted that these developments played a critical role in mitigating Zambia’s energy crisis, while also demonstrating the country’s potential to tap into the “sunshine economy” on a large scale.
“Beyond these achievements, the late President also laid the groundwork for off-grid and mini-grid solutions as part of a broader strategy to accelerate rural electrification,” said Dr. Chikwanda.
He further commended President Lungu’s proactive response to the 2016 electricity crisis, particularly the introduction of legislation banning the manufacture and importation of filament light bulbs.
Dr. Chikwanda said that this move, led to a national shift toward energy-saving bulbs and resulted in an estimated 200MW in power savings, a major step in promoting energy efficiency.
By Christabel Kamunu
