THINK BIG, THINK AHEAD! 250MVA TRANSFORMER TO BOOST CENTRAL PROVINCE ECONOMY
The recent upswing in mining activities in Central Province, complementing an already thriving agriculture sector, has led to increased economic activity in this understated yet historically rich central corridor of Zambia.
Manganese mining operations are now common in Mkushi, Mpongwe, and Kabwe, resulting in a rise in electricity demand. The list of customers applying for electricity connections in Chisamba and Kapiri Mposhi is also growing.
In responding to this growth and expansion in demand for electricity and services, ZESCO Limited has procured a 250MVA transformer to be installed in Kabwe to complement the existing Kabwe Step-Down Transformer.
“Kabwe currently has the Kabwe Step-Down transformer, which supplies electricity to the entire Kabwe town, parts of Chisamba, Mkushi, and Mpongwe. Demand is high, and the loads are sensitive due to the mining activities happening in Mpongwe, Mkushi, and Kapiri. Some of the transformers have aged and no longer adequate to meet the development coming into these areas,” explained ZESCO’s Chief Engineer Transmission and Projects, Chaali Kalebuka.
Eng. Kalebuka added: “This transformer will boost transmission capacity to support existing and future demands for electricity due to growing economic activities. Further, the 250MVA transformer will guarantee us what we call redundancy. Redundancy means that we will be able to carry out planned and unplanned maintenance works without interrupting electricity supply to our customers, sustaining business continuity in the process.”
The installation of the 250MVA transformer is part of ZESCO’s broader objective of supporting the government's ambitious agenda of positioning the country as an industrial hub through enhanced electricity transmission capacity and infrastructure expansion.