The Benefits

Powering the Future

The Ngonye Falls Project is a pivotal initiative aligned with the Government’s Vision 2030, aiming to bolster energy generation and sustainability.

By 2026, it’s projected to add an impressive 1,100MW to the national grid, fostering a greener, more reliable, and cost-effective source of electricity.

Impactful Reach​

This initiative isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impacting lives.

It will directly provide green electricity to nearly 1 million people or support the equivalent of 100,000 tons per annum of copper production, fortifying communities and industries.

Strengthening Infrastructure

The project extends beyond power generation, encompassing the development of a 110km National Grid transmission line in Western Province, laying the groundwork for a more robust and interconnected infrastructure.

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Grid Optimisation and Support

Situated strategically, the project’s 180MW new generation capacity in western Zambia promises more than just electricity.

It’s poised to bolster the national transmission grid by enhancing voltage support, frequency control, and minimizing power losses.

Economic and Job Opportunities

This initiative isn’t just about power—it’s about empowering people.

During construction, the Ngonye Falls Project will create around 3,000 direct jobs, alongside numerous indirect and multiplier employment opportunities.

Over time, it will sustain highly skilled operations and maintenance jobs, contributing to long-term economic growth.

Unleashing Potential

Western Province’s economic and industrial potential has been restrained by electricity shortages.

This project serves as a catalyst, unlocking previously untapped opportunities and driving growth within the region.

Regional Influence

With its strategic location, the Ngonye Falls Project is poised to not only cater to local needs but also become a pivotal player in exporting power to the Southern African region, leveraging existing international connections.

Direct Project Benefits

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Direct Project Benefits

  • The Ngonye Falls Project supports Vision 2030's 1,100MW goal by 2026.
  • Provides green, reliable, and cost-effective electricity for nearly 1 million people or 100,000 tpa of copper production.

  • Includes a 110km National Grid transmission line in Western Province.
  • Involves a $680+ million private sector investment, the largest ever in Western Province, Zambia.

  • Generates 3,000 direct construction jobs and numerous skilled operations and maintenance jobs.

  • Unleashes economic and industrial potential in Western Province hindered by electricity scarcity.

  • Adds 180MW of new generation capacity in western Zambia, supporting the national transmission grid and reducing power losses.
  • Community Benefits

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    Community Benefits

  • The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) administers the Kingdom of Barotseland, led by His Majesty the Litunga.

  • The BRE represents communities hosting The Ngonye Falls Project, owning 6% in trust for community development.

  • Community earns $500,000 annually for community development projects, in addition to 6% of profits through equity share.

  • Exploring ways to increase community equity share beyond the minimum 6% with funding partners.

  • BRE collaborates with Western Power, the Government of Zambia, and partners for the project's success and development benefits in western Zambia.
  • Transmission Benefits

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    Transmission Benefits

  • The Western Province economy faces severe constraints due to insufficient power supply through a single, unreliable 66kV transmission line.

  • Current line capacity is around 7MW, limiting significant industrial, commercial, or social developments in the province.

  • The Ngonye Falls Project includes financing and constructing a 110km 330kV transmission line, enhancing capacity for the entire province.

  • This new transmission line will integrate into ZESCO's grid, completing the national ring circuit and supporting regional power export.

  • Unlike the bottlenecked Livingstone-Sesheke line, Ngonye Falls' location allows additional power export to the south, meeting Vision 2030 development goals for Western Province.
  • Green Power

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    Green Power

  • Run-of-river hydropower offers one of the lowest environmental footprints among available power generation technologies.

  • The Ngonye Falls Project demonstrates very low environmental impact compared to other power projects or technologies.

  • Comprehensive surveys and studies over the past decade inform impact minimization, mitigation, and compensation strategies, including no high dam, reservoir, or disruption to downstream water flow.

  • Among the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, featuring environmental flows to support river life, no impact on critical habitats or wetlands, and infrastructure designed for minimal aesthetic impact.

  • Located outside protected areas, and the new transmission line follows existing routes, avoiding new linear environmental impact.