2023Annual UpdateYear in review
AcronymsDOE Department of EnergyGET FiT GlobalEnergyTransferFeedinTariREFIT RenewableEnergyFeedinTariERB Energy Regulation Board KfW German Development BankTA Technical Assistance VGF Viability Gap Funding MWDS Ministry of Water Development and SanitationMFNP Ministry of Finance and National Planning MGEE Ministry of Green Economy and EnvironmentMOE Ministry of EnergyREA RuralElectricationAuthorityZEMA Zambia Environmental Management Agency WARMA Water Resources Management Authority NHCC National Heritage Conversation Commission CEEC Citizens Economic Empowerment CommissionOPPPI OceforPromotingPrivatePowerInvestmentsPV Photovoltaic EMA Environmental Management ActMW MegawattsSHP Small Hydro PowerRfP Request for ProposalRE Renewable EnergyIA ImplementationAgreementIMF InternationalMonetaryFundIPP IndependentPowerProducer8TH NDP Eighth National Development PlanZRA Zambezi River Authority ZPC Zimbabwe Power CompanySTGD Short Term Grid Development COSS Cost of Service Study
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 20231Table of ContentsMessage from the Ministry of Energy 2Acknowledgement from PS 3About GET FiT Zambia 5GET FiT Zambia – Reections of the Year in Review 12Solar PV and Small Hydropower Tender Status 13Technical Assistance 18Other GET FiT Initiatives 20Outlook 22
In2023,thecountrycontinuedtoexperienceener-gydecitscausedbyeectsofclimatechangeev-idencedfromthebelownormalrainfallexperiencedduring the 2022/23 rain season. This phenome-non resulted in reduced water inows in Zambeziand Kafue River basins that supply 80 percent of Zambia’selectricity demand. Subsequently,powergeneration capacity diminished by about 400MW,resulting in load-shedding. Theforegoing,promptedtheGovernmenttoembarkondiversifyingtheenergymix.InlinewithGovern-mentaspirations, theGETFiTZambia Programmeprovides a long-term solution to support the Gov-ernment’senergydiversicationagenda.Therefore,the Government remains committed to ensuring that the 120 MW solar-PV projects awarded in 2019 under the GETFIT Programme come to fruition assoon as possible. During the period under review, signicant strideswere made towards meeting prerequisites stipulat-edbylendersforprovidingnancefortheGETFiTZambia 120 MW solar PV projects. While the debt re-structuringconclusionsweredelayed,progresshadbeen made on addressing most of the requirement’s lenders had given as imperative before they could considernancingtheGETFiTProjects.Inadditiontotheeconomicupdates,engagementsweremadewiththelendersthroughtheMinistryinthersthalfof 2023, following whichsome lendershave sinceexpressedrenewedinterestinnancingtheGETFiTProjects on agreed terms and conditions. In 2024,we look forward to the projects attainingnancialcloseandmovingclosertothecommence-mentofconstruction,whichwillsee120MWofsolarpower on the grid. The Government also continues to foster growth in the sector with progress on open access to elec-tricity. Following the development of an electricity Open Access framework comprising Open Access Regulations, Market Rules and Guidelines, OpenAccessMarketStructureandDesign,andTransmis-sionandDistributionMethodology,theGovernmentlooks forward to implementing the approved frame-work in 2024. IwishtothanktheGermanGovernmentfortheirun-waveringsupporttowardsZambia’senergysector,despite the challenges experienced. I further wishtothankallCooperatingPartners,nanciers,devel-opers and key stakeholders in the energy sector for their support. Eng. Peter C. Kapala Minister of EnergyMessage from the Ministry of Energy2Message from the Ministry of Energy
TheMinistryofEnergy(MoE)wishestoexpressdeepappreciation to our partners who support the devel-opmentoftheGlobalEnergyTransferFeedinTari(GET FiT) Zambia Programme. This programme is designed to ensure that Zambia promotes private sector participation and diversies its energy mixthrough the implementation of low-cost renewable energy projects. Sincere gratitude goes to the German Government and the German Development Bank (KfW) who are our implementing partners. KfW have provided -nancialsupportinformofTechnicalAssistance,Vi-ability Gap Funding (VGF) and the Grid Facility. FurtherandonbehalfoftheMinistryofEnergy,IwishtoexpressmyparticularspecialwordsofthankstothefollowinglineMinistries,Governmentagencies,departments,andinstitutionsfortheirsupport: Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MFNP), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Ministry ofGreen Economy and Environment (MGEE) and Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS); ZESCO Limited, Rural Electrication Authori-ty (REA), Zambia Environmental ManagementAgency(ZEMA),WaterResourceManagementAgency (WARMA), Energy Regulation Board(ERB),CitizensEconomicEmpowermentCom-mission(CEEC),andNationalHeritageConser-vation Commission (NHCC).The programme’s ultimate success will depend on all stakeholders’ commitment and invaluable con-tributions. We look forward to your continued support as we work towards successfully implementing all initia-tives under the GET FiT Zambia programme. Peter Mumba Permanent Secretary – Technical Services Ministry of Energy Acknowledgement from PSGET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 20233
Contributing toa climate-friendlydevelopment pathand sustainablegrowth in Zambia
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 20235GET FiT Zambia is the implementation programme for the Government ofZambia’sREFiTStrategy,whichaimstofacilitateprivatesector investmentinsmallandmedium-scaleRenewableEnergyIndependentPowerProjects(IPPs)inZambia.About GET FiT ZambiaGET FiT Zambia is nanced by KfW, on behalf ofthe German Government. The Zambian Ministry of Energy(MoE)istheProjectExecutingAgency(PEA)responsible for the programme. The GET FiT Secre-tariat(ledbytheProgrammeImplementationCon-sultant, Multiconsult Norge AS was appointed in2018 to work with the Department of Energy (DoE) to implement the programme.GET FiT Zambia is the second roll-out of the GET FiT concept after a successful pilot in Uganda,where it achieved approximately 160MW of in-stalled renewable energy capacity via 17 projects. GET FiT Uganda established a track record for pri-vate sector participation. GET FiT Zambia has been designed based on various lessons learned and on-the-groundexperienceinUganda–whileconsider-ingthecountry-speciccircumstancesandbarriersto private sector involvement. Zambia started the year with an energy crisis in GET FiT Zambia is implemented by the MinistryofEnergy(DepartmentofEnergy),in collaboration with KfWThe objectives of GET FiT Zambia are: Procurement of up to 220 MW of re-newableenergycapacity,asGETFiTZambiahasbecometheocialimple-mentation programme for the Zambian RenewableEnergyFeed-in-Tari(REFiT)strategy. Contribution to diversify Zambia's power mix(bothintermsoftechnologyandge-ography)whileensuringcost-eective,environmentally,andsociallysustainableprojectstomaximisevalueforZambianend users. IntroductionofstandardisedlegaldocumentationforIndependentPowerProducers(IPPs)andframeworkthatwill enable successful integration of the procured renewable energy into the national grid. Promotion of competition and private sector participation in the Zambian power sector.
About GET FiT Zambia6Programme Structure GET FiT Zambia is motivated by acknowledging thewiderangeofpositive,sustainableeectsthatthe development of renewable energy projects can have for economic and social development and the strong potential for such projects in Zambia. At the heart of the programme is the realisation of 220 MW low-costrenewableenergycapacity,procuredfromprivate sector entities through a competitive pro-curementprocess: 120 MW Solar PV 100 MW Small Hydropower Additionally,GETFiTZambia aimstoboost institu-tional capacity and improve the investment frame-work for private sector participation in the Zambian power sector. A key feature is to introduce a transpar-entrenewableenergytenderprocess,advocateformore streamlined licensing and permitting processes and strengthen power grid operations to procure and integrate even more renewable energy in the future. The up to 220 MW is to be achieved through pro-curementofpowerfromprivatesectorIndependentPowerProducers(IPPs),inalignmentwithZambia’sPublic Procurement Act and based on international competitive bidding. Under the procurement frame-work,theIPPsareresponsiblefortheirownsitese-lection, feasibility studies, and nancing (includingdebt and equity). The current 41 million Euro grant funding under the GET FiT Zambia programme is thus not aimed to-wardsprovidingdebtnancingtoindividualprojects.Instead,itisaimedatassistingtheMinistryofEnergywith developing a sustainable procurement frame-work,boostinginstitutionalcapacity,importantly,im-proving the investment framework for private sector participationintheZambianpowersector.Ifneces-sary, the grant will provide a subsidy to cover anyviabilitygapbetweenthecost-reectivetariandthePPAtariorbeutilisedtowardsthegridfacility.TheGET FiT Zambia programme was tailored to address the challenges stakeholders regarded as barriers to achieving these objectives. It is envisaged that byaddressingthesechallenges,agoodfoundationandframework can be laid that will facilitate future low-cost procurement of energy from private sector enti-tiesinZambia:
7GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 2023GET FiT Zambia toolkit for addressing barriers in the power sectorGET FIT TOOLSBARRIER DESCRIPTIONMECHANISM FOR ADDRESSING THE BARRIERS ࢚ Design&implementareliable,competitivetenderprocessand work with Ministry of Energy (MoE) to ensure it can be replicated for future rounds. ࢚ Designstandardisedprojectagreements,incl.PowerPurchaseAgreement(PPA),GridConnectionAgreement(GCA)andImplementationAgreement(IA). ࢚ Identifybottlenecks&adviseonstreamlinedlicensing&permitting process. PROCUREMEN T & TRANSACTIONS ࢚ Identifyappropriateriskmitigationtoolsthatwillenablesmalltomediumsizeinvestorstoaccessnanceandachieve bankability. ࢚ CollaboratewithAfricaTradeInsurance(ATI).DEBT & RISK MITIGATION FACILIT Y ࢚ GETFiToerstari-basedsupportintheformofViabilityGap Funding (VGF) for a limited portfolio of Renewable Energy projects. ࢚ VGF facilitates project viability by providing a capital grant to private sector entities willing to take the risks of invest-ing into an evolving renewable energy market in Zambia. ࢚ RequirementforVGFexpectedtoreduce,withincreasinginvestment,economiesofscale&improvedinvestmentframework conditions. VIABILITY GAP FUNDING ࢚ Includesadvisorysupport. ࢚ Providecapitalgrants,totheawardedSHPdevelopers,for the construction of the grid construction & selected network reinforcements to enable the integration of Small Hydropower (SHP) and other future renewable energy technologies. The grid assets will remain the ownership of ZESCO. GRID FACILITY ࢚ Capacity building programme for key sector stakeholders as part of the Technical Assistance (TA) facility ࢚ TA support earmarked for supporting the SHP portfolio. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEReliable Procurement Framework & Improved Investor ConditionsRisk Mitigation Tools to ensure access to funding & achieve bankabilityHigh Cost of Capital availabilityGrid availabilityCapacity Constraints & Skills Gap
8About GET FiT ZambiaGET FiT Programme, Stakeholders and Partners: The following entities have been identied as thekey stakeholders and partners infullling theGETFiT objectives. TheMinistryofEnergy,throughtheDepartmentofEnergy,isresponsiblefordevelopingandim-plementing policies, programmes and projectson renewable energy, energy eciency, elec-tricity and power development to facilitate so-cio-economic development. The functions of the departmentinclude: – Facilitating the development and review of policies and legislation on energy to provide an appropriateframeworkfortheeectiveman-agement and implementation of programmes. – Facilitating the construction, rehabilitation,and maintenance of energy infrastructure to ensure the security of supply. – Promoting the development and utilisation of climate-resilient and renewable energy tech-nologies. – Promoting the development and utilisation of climate-resilient and renewable energy tech-nologies. – Maintainingadatabaseonenergyresources,production, distribution, consumption, andpricing. – Formulating and reviewing energy strategy and action plans to facilitate resource mobili-sation and attaining set objectives. – Providing technical guidance and support to stakeholder institutions on matters relating toecientmanagementandconservationofenergyUnder the DoE are several units that assist the Ministryinachievingitsobjectives,includingtheOceforthePromotionofPrivatePowerInvest-ment(OPPPI). The Oce forPromoting Private PowerInvest-ment (OPPPI) - - OPPPI is a project unit es-tablished under the Ministry of Energy for the purpose of promoting private sector participation in developing and implementing power projects. – The OPPPI coordinated the implementationof signicant private sector power projectssuch as the 300 MW Maamba Coal Fired PowerPlant,120MWItezhi-TezhiHydroelec-tricPowerplant,750MWKafueGorgeLowerHydroelectric Power Project and the Zam-bia-Tanzania-Kenya Power InterconnectorProject.TheOPPPI is currentlycoordinatingfeasibility studies for a combined capacity of over 2000MW, with some projects currentlyat the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ne-gotiations stage. Energy Regulation Board (ERB)– The ERB ismandatedtoensureeectiveenergysectorreg-ulation. The ERB does this through issuing li-censestoundertakings,monitoringtheeciencyandperformanceofundertakings,receivingandinvestigatingcomplaints,approvingthelocationand construction of energy infrastructure,priceadjustments of energy services and products,anddevelopingstandardcodes,guidelines,andother regulatory interventions. Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)–ZEMAisanindependentenvironmen-tal regulator and coordinating agency. ZEMA is mandated to do all such things as are necessary to ensure the sustainable management of natu-ralresourcesandprotectionoftheenvironment,prevention and control of pollution. ZEMA was established through an Act of Parliament, theEnvironmental Management Act (EMA) No. 12 of 2011. The EMA provides for the continued focus on Environmental Management, including newand emerging issues such as climate change,pollutionfromPersistentOrganicPollutants,andelectronic waste.ZESCO - ZESCO Limited is a power utility owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia that supplies electricity and energy solu-tions within Zambia and the Sub-Saharan region. The company is the dominant participant in the electricity market in Zambia. ZESCO Limited is a vertically integrated power utility with operations cutacrosstheelectricityvaluechain,generation,transmission,distribution,andsupply.TheCor-poration owns and operates several hydropower stations with a combined power-generating ca-pacityofmorethan3,000MW.
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 20239 The Rural Electrication Authority (REA) - REAwas established in 2003 by an Act of Parliament to increase electricity access in rural areas. REA utilizesGridExtension,Biomass,Wind,SolarEn-ergy,and Mini-Hydrotoreachitstargets.Elec-tricity drives economic productivity, and ruralelectrication boosts agriculture, commerce,and small-scale industries in Zambia. REA aims forbeneciariestoenjoyimprovedlivingstand-ards,better medicalcare,enhanced agricultur-al production,and new businessopportunities.REA will play a role in the SHP tender. The Water Resources Management Authori-ty (WARMA) – WARMA was established underthe Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of2011,servesas theregulatorybodyrespon-sible for the management and development of the nation's water resources. WARMA’s primary aim is to ensure equitable access to water for allstakeholders. Its coreobjectivesinclude themanagement, development, conservation, pro-tection, and preservation of both surface andgroundwater resources. WARMA is an institution that will play a role in the SHP tender.Grant DonorThe German Government through KfW REFiT 205 MW Allocation Competitive Procurement ProcessSolar PV 100 MWSmall Hydropower100 MWImplementing Entity Department of Energy GET FiT SecretariatFinancing Agreement Signed with Ministry of Finance and National Planning Separate Agreement Signed with Ministry of EnergyGET FiT Zambia Programme Structure
10About GET FiT ZambiaProgramme Benets GET FiT Zambia programme objectives align with the Government of Zambia’s development priorities and implementationstrategies,assetoutintheEighthNational Development Plan (8th NDP). Amongst the stated objectives is the promotion of green growth to safeguard the environment and natural resourc-es. This is especially important as power from re-newableenergysourcesinZambia,otherthanlargehydropower, is still low, with electricity generationfrom solar PV only accounting for 3 percent of the total installed generation capacity and hydropower accounting for over 80 percent. This has made the Zambian energy sector vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as droughts experienced over re-cent years have led to lower power production from hydropower,resultinginsignicantpowershortag-es.Therefore,thediversicationofthe energymixbecomes critical to ensure a sustainable power sup-plytomeetotherstatedcountrypriorities,suchasannual real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.5 percent by 2026 and increased economicgrowth from the agricultural, manufacturing, tour-ism,andminingsectors.Byitsdesign,theGETFiTZambiaprogrammeplaysa unique role as a catalyst and enabler to ensure progress towards achieving the country's priorities. Below are some of the specic benets the pro-grammeportfoliobrings: 120 MW of Solar PV projects will enable di-versication of generation sources by adding120 MWacofclimate-friendlySolarPVtothegrid,increasing the generation capacity from renew-ables. This fulls the medium to the long-termaimoftheREFiTStrategy,ensuringthatrenew-ables contribute to a diversied energy mix tocreate increased energy security. The 120 MWac of Solar PV projects are relatively advanced and onlyneedtosecurenanceandcommenceduediligencebeforeimplementationstarts,allowingthe projects to be implemented relatively quickly. 50 MW Small Hydropower (SHP) projects, as part of the rst round of procurement is beingtargeted in the north and north-western parts of the country where rainfall is the highest. The Grid Facility under the programme further aims to contribute towards strengthening network in-frastructure to enable both the connection and integration of the SHP projects in the northern part of the country. The network infrastructure developed through the deployment of grants will be owned by ZESCO. The deployment of the vi-ability gap funding (VGF), if required, is furtheraimed at addressing project viability if renewable energyfeed-intaris(REFiTs)arenotsucienttoensure the project viability. The grants will thus enable the development of key infrastructure while ensuring SHP taris remain aordable tothe ZESCO and its electricity consumers. The GET FiT Zambia projects will represent an increased national electricity generation capac-ity,whichthecountryneedstoaddresscurrentelectricity decits and to prevent further futuredecits. In addition, the investment of diversetechnologies in the sector increases private sec-torparticipationintheenergysector. It diversi-es the Zambian energy mix through solar PVand decentralised SHP deployment. This way,the programme plays an essential role in satis-fying current power needs and improving future power supply reliability. The programme is carried out through a trans-parent, competitive procurement process withthe involvement of the programme stakehold-ers,particularlytheDoEandOPPPI,whoareacentral part of the programme implementation team. Other stakeholders, including the Minis-try of Justice, Ministryof Financeand NationalPlanning and ZESCO as the o-taker, are alsoconsulted in developing project agreements. The ERB will also play a key role in setting the REFiTs for the SHP programme. This further aligns with the 8thNDP objective of ensuring a good govern-ance environment. The comparatively lower price achieved through acompetitiveprocesswillallowZESCO,astheo-taker,toselllow-costpowerpurchasedtoitsconsumers in Zambia.
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202311 The high cost of capital and inadequate regu-latory frameworks for renewable energy have been said to contribute to a low rate of private sector investment in renewable energy due to uncertainties around funding. The GET FiT pro-gramme aims to improve the institutional frame-work conditions, build capacity and establishstandardised project agreements for future im-plementation by the MoE as part of the owner-ship strategy. The continuation of the procurement of solar PV and SHPs will support and enable future power development, particularly the implementationof the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), current-ly under development and set to be launched in 2024. In summary, GET FiT supports the country’sneed for consistent long-term planning and pro-ject implementation as the country also embarks onactivities to increasemanufacturing, mining,etc.,tomovetowardseconomictransformation.With the implementation of the projects over severalyears,capacitybuildingandjobcreationwillbeanaddedbenetfromimplementingtheGETFiTprojects,therebypositivelycontributingto human and social development.
12GETFiTZambia–ReectionsoftheYearinReviewZambia started the year 2023 with an energy cri-sisthatimpactedthenation.Theeectsofclimatechange resulted in low water levels at the Kariba Dam, which forced the Zambezi River Authority(ZRA) to restrict the power production for ZESCO and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). ZESCO was compelled to implement load management for up to 12 hours daily. A successful outcome of GET FiT Zambia has the potential to make Zambia more resilient in tackling the impact of climate change. The120MWSolarPVprojects,thus,remaincriticalfor the country as they contribute towards increas-ingtherequireddiversiedsourcesofelectricityinthe country,which areessential to mitigate powerdecitscausedbyclimatechange.Theneedforal-ternative sources of renewable energy reiterates the needtoensureprogresstowardnancialcloseandconstruction of the 120 MW Solar PV projects. ThroughtheinterventionofHon.Eng.PeterKapala,MinisterofEnergy,theprospectstounlocknancingfor the GET FiT 120 MW Solar PV projects in 2024 arepositive.TheGETFiTSecretariat,managedbyMulticonsult in collaboration with the Department of Energy,arrangedameetingbetweentheMinisterofEnergy and prospective lenders. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the challenges and progress made by the government of Zambia in addressing the lender’s requirements for nancing projects inZambia. The Minister emphasised the importance of lenders supporting Zambia’s ambition to grow its energy portfolio, which was critical tosupport-ing economic growth and increasing energy access. Through this intervention of the Minister, lendersagreed to consider the possibility ofnancing theGET FiT 120 MW Solar PV projects.The Solar PV tender's successful bidders contin-ued demonstrating a commitment to the continued development of their projects. While the implemen-tation of the SHP component of the GET FiT pro-gramme is still notconrmed, thedevelopers thatwerepre-qualiedthroughtheRequestforQuali-cation(RfQ)processin2019-2020havealsocontin-uedtoreconrmtheirinterestthroughdialogueandregular follow-up by the Secretariat. The Secretariat continued engagement to ensure progress on the Open Access Technical Assistance (TA) project. Through support from the GET FiT ZambiaTechnicalAssistanceFacility,TheMOEandERB developed an Open Access framework envis-aged to be implemented in 2024. These TA activi-ties,ensurethattheGETFiTprogrammecontinuesto contribute towards strengthening the ´framework for enabling and promoting private sector invest-ments in renewable energy’ in Zambia. GET FiT Zambia – Reections of the Year in ReviewPositivedevelopmentinthecountry'smacroeconomicenvironment,coupledwithinterventionsfromtheMinisterofEnergyin2023,broughtmuch-neededfavourablewinsfortheGETFiTprogramme’seortstorealise the awarded Solar PV projects.
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202313Solar PV Tender A positiveyear forGET FiT Zambia – Funding for120 MW Solar PV projects Unlocked.In2023,optimismsurroundedtheGETFiTZambiaprogram as Zambia awaited positive developments in debt restructuring. Though delayed, an agree-ment with ocial creditors was reached by mid-year, easing the economic slowdown and pavingtheway for unlocking nancing amidst the energyshortages faced in the sector2023 highlighted the crucial role of programmes like GET FiT Zambia in addressing the energy chal-lenges.Theyearkickedowithanenergyshortagecrisis spurred by climate change-induced low water levels at the Kariba Dam, prompting the ZambeziRiver Authority (ZRA) to restrict the power produc-tion for ZESCO and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). The need for load management measures of up to 12 hours sent a clear signal for the need to unlock funding to allow the implementation of more renewable energy sources to help Zambia diversify itsenergymix.Solar PV and Small Hydropower Tender StatusThe Solar PV and SHP tenders are two of the main components of the GETFiTZambiaprogramme,andensuringprogressontheseisakeypriority for the GET FiT SecretariatMonguSolweziNdolaChomaKabweLusakaMansaChipataKasamaChinsaliDemocratic Republic of the CongoAngolaBotswanaZimbabweTanzaniaGARNETON North & SouthDeveloper InnoVent & CECRegion CopperbeltSize 40 MWacGeneration 113 GWh/year 4.80 USc/KWhBULEMU West & EastDeveloper Red Rocket Region KabweSize 40 MWacGeneration 126 GWh/year 3.99 USc/KWhSOLA 1 & 2Developer Globeleq & SOLARegion KafueSize 40 MWacGeneration 120 GWh/year 4.52 USc/KWhZambiaMalawi
14Solar PV and Small Hydropower Tender StatusThe urgency for renewable power emphasised the need to ensure progress was made on advancing the120MWSolarPVprojectstonancialcloseandconstruction. This led to the Minister of Energy re-questing a meeting with lenders to understand their requirementsfornancingprivate-sectorprojectsinthe energy sector in light of the progress made by the government in addressing most of the concerns raised during 2020 when funding was initially sus-pended. The meeting sparked interest from a wide range of key stakeholders as it was realized that a collabo-rative approach would be required to address the sector challenges and unlock funding not only for the benet of the 120MW Solar PV projects butthepipelineoffutureenergyprojects,includingtheenvisaged SHP projects. The meeting was thus at-tendedbythefollowing keystakeholders:Ministryof Energy, German Cooperation, Foreign, Com-monwealth and Development Oce (FCDO), KfW,ZESCO, World Bank, Cities and Infrastructure forGrowth(CIG)Zambia,andvariouslenders.The meetingincluded feedbackfrom ZESCO MD,supportedbyCIG Zambia, on the sustainabilityoftheinitiativesbeingimplementedtoensurenancialsustainability. This included feedback on the devel-opment of a 10-year rolling strategic plan (2022-2031). Feedback was also provided on the progress madetowardsitsdebtreductioneorts,leadingtoasignicantreductioninarrearstoIndependentPowerProducers(IPP).Theutilitycontinuestoapplymoreprescribedoperationalcostcontainmentmeasures,positivelyimpactingZESCO’snancialposition.The10-year rolling strategic plan (2022-2031) has sub-sequently been published by ZESCO.Discussions were also held on the progress related totheimplementationofcost-reectivetaris,withZESCOsubmittingitstariapplicationtotheERBforveyearsunderaMulti-YearFrameworkTaristruc-ture. The ERB Board announced new electricity pric-es,whichcameintoeectonthe1stofMay,2023.ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Victor Mapani gives an update on ZESCO’s progress on its turnaround strategy at a meeting with the lenders convened by the Minister of Energy
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202315Post-stakeholder working group meeting. Present at the meeting were: Presidential Delivery Unit, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Ener-gy, Ministry of Justice, ZESCO, Energy Regulation Board, CIG Zambia, GET FiT Secretariat and Trinity LLPFollowingthemeeting,somelendersexpressedin-terestinsupportingnancingthe120MWGETFiTZambia Solar PV projects and supporting the gov-ernmentinmeetingtheenergyshortages,notingtheprogressmade,includingonthedebtrestructuring,despite it not being fully concluded. This support enabled the GET FiT Secretariat to work with ZESCO and the Ministry of Energy to ad-dress specic requirements that could enable thelenders to present the projects to their respective committees for approval. Following positive con-versationswiththelendersandsuccessfulbidders,theyearwasclosedowiththegovernmentstake-holder working group meeting in December 2023 tonalisetheGETFiTZambiaprojectagreements.Notably,thissessionalso featuredapivotalmeet-ingchairedbythePermanentSecretary–TechnicalServices,MinistryofEnergy,engagingwithprojectlenders to navigate the way forward. Through these meetingsandinterventions,theprospectstounlocknancingfortheGETFiT120MWSolarPVprojectsin the course of 2024 are now positive.Staying on course andkeeping the projectactive,despitechallengesfacedatthetime,hasthusprov-en valuable as it enables relatively fast mobilisation of project resources once lenders are secured. This could providesignicant lead-time benets,espe-ciallyifconsideredinthecontextoftheurgentneedfor power in Zambia and across the region.
16Solar PV and Small Hydropower Tender StatusTimeline showing the most important milestones which have been completedforthetwotenderstodate,andtheenvisionedtimelinefor 2024through2026.20192020-2022202320242025-2026Covid19impact+nancierssuspend funding. Programme implementation put on hold.Award of Solar PV projects and SHP prequalicationProgramme milestones and options for programme successUnlocking Lender InterestSecuring FundingFinancial close and project implementation 120 MWac Solar PV granted development rights by MoE Concluded feasibility studies (Microgeneration in 2022) and EPBs. ZEMA environmental authorisation obtained. Secured line route & grid connec-tion point with ZESCO. Mandating of lenders delayed due to the short term grid study. Continued work on liquidity struc-turesensuringsectorbankability,and discussions with lenders. Monitoring macro-economic progress and updating and demonstrating country progress to various lenders Mandating Lenders Finalise Solar PV due diligence Signprojectagreements.(PPA,GCAandIA) Achievenancialcloseandnoticetoproceed,SolarPVportfolio Reachcommercialoperation,Solar PV portfolio
17GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 2023Small Hydro Tender The initial launch of the SHP request for proposal (RfP) wasplannedfortheendoftherstquarterof2020.However,thelaunchwasputonhold,initiallyasaresultofCOVID-19andthereafterasaresultoflenders notifying the program about their intention to suspend funding to projects in the Zambia ener-gysector.TheRfPremainedonholdin2023,withthe prospect of only being revisited once successful bidders for120MW Solar PV have conrmed thatthey have mandated lenders and there is a clear pathwaytonancialclose.Thisdecisionwasmadebecause,untilprospectivenancierscommitfundingtoZambiaforthe120MWsolarPVprojects,thesituationforSHPdeveloperswillremainunchanged.Thus,theSecretariatcontin-uesitseortstoensurethatchallengesaddressedunder the Solar PV tender can be carried through to the SHP tender to ensure that it would be success-ful when implementation becomes viable. In order to increasethe available nancingfor theSHPtender,theSecretariatactivelyexploredcollab-oration opportunities with donor entities. The bene-tofbroaderdonorcollaborationhasthepotentialto enable the commencement of the SHP tender through shared implementation costs across vari-ous donor initiatives and leveraging of grant fund-ing.Furthermore,suchcollaborationsmightreducethe Viability Gap Funding (VGF) requirement if devel-opmentcostsarenancedthroughgrants.Advoca-cy has thus not been limited to the 120 MW Solar PV projects but also the SHP programme.The GET FiT Secretariat has maintained commu-nication with developers who were prequalied toparticipate in the SHP tender, ensuring they arekept abreast of all key developments pertaining to the program. Developersprequaliedunder theGET FiT Zambia Programme currently hold a total of forty-four (44) feasibility study rights granted by the Ministry of Energy to conduct feasibility studies for small hydropower projects, which are reservedfor procurement under the GET FiT Zambia Pro-gramme. Zambiahassignicantpotentialforgeneratingelec-tricity through small hydropower projects. By exe-cuting these projects, the nation can harness thispotential to strengthen energy security and estab-lish a favourable investment framework for small-scale renewables, which in turn will contribute toeconomic development. MonguSolweziNdolaChomaKabweLusakaChipataDemocratic Republic of the CongoAngolaBotswanaZimbabweTanzania ZambiaMalawi Site with allocated FSR(Larger bubble indicates larger size)ChinsaliKasamaMansa
18Technical AssistanceTechnical AssistanceGET FiT Zambia aspires to more than being a vehicle to procure and develop energy projects in Zambia. The overall objective of GET FiT is to create a lasting impact in the sector through improving the overall investment framework for renewable energy. The close involvement of relevant government institutions in implementing the programme and providingTAenablesexperienceandcapacitybuilding.Thisway, GET FiT shall contribute to the continued development of renewable energies after the programme implementation period.The TA components of the GET FiT toolbox aimto boost institutional capacity and enable a trans-parent regulatory framework for private sector par-ticipation in developing the country's renewable energy resources. The TA Facility consists of inte-grated capacity building through the program's im-plementation and dedicated TA initiatives. So far,GET FiT has contributed to establishing a renew-ableIPPframework,developingaShort-TermGridDevelopmentplan(STGD),anopenaccessmarketstructure, rules, and regulations and transmissionand distribution pricing methodology to enable the open access regime in the sector. InclosecollaborationwiththeMoEandothermainstakeholders,GETFiTactivelyidentiesopportuni-ties and synergies with related initiatives in Zambia targeting improved framework and investment con-ditions. A description of the work conducted and planned undertheOpenAccessMarket,theShort-termGridDevelopmentPlanandGISimplementationispro-vided below. TA activities provided through GET FiT ZambiaTECHNICAL ASSISTANCEGrid studies for integration of renewables (completed)IntegratedCapacityBuildingbyProgrammeImplementation Consultant (ongoing)Legal advisory related to the GET FiT Solar PV Portfolio (ongoing)Open access market rules and regulations and transmission and distribution pricing methodology (ongoing)GISImplementation(planned)
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202319Open Access Market In 2019, the Government of Zambia launched thenew National Energy Policy (2019). The new Ener-gy policy facilitated the enactment of the Electricity Act No.11 of 2019 and the Energy Regulation Acts No.12 of 2019. The new Acts have made provision for Open Access to transmission and distribution networks to facilitate power trading between gener-ating companies and end-users. However,therearecurrentlynoregulationstogov-ern the open access regime. Before nalising theregulations,aprocesshasbeenundertakentoen-sure that the open access regime operates fairly and transparently. An appropriate market structure anddesign, together with rules thatwould governthemarket,isrequired.TheERBwas,therefore,taskedwithdevelopingthemarket structure and associated open access rules and regulations and creating a transmission and distribution pricing methodology to facilitate the open access market in Zambia. Through the GET FiT TAFacility, technical assistanceis provided tothe ERB to support them in the development of this open access market framework. GIS ImplementationAspartoftheTAFacility,GETFiTisalsoassistingtheOPPPIwiththedevelopmentofaGIS-basedplatformto facilitate the digitalisation of the feasibility study rightsprocess.OPPPIplaysacentralroleinthispro-cessandaimstoimprovetheapplication,approval,and monitoring process of renewable energy project developments.TheaimistoestablishaGIS-basedplatform containing the most up-to-date information about renewable energy projects in the pipeline. This will also facilitate the management of feasibility study rightsissuedtovariousdevelopers.Inadditiontothevalue theGIS platform represents for internal port-foliomanagement,itcanalsobeanecienttoolforimproved access to information for various market actorsinterestedintheZambiaenergysector.Imple-mentation is now planned for 2024. Open Access Stakeholder Consultation
20OtherGETFiTInitiativesGET FiT Uganda was the rst roll-out of the GETFiT programme. It is designed to leverage privateinvestments into renewable energy generation pro-jects in Uganda. The programme has facilitated a portfolio of 17 small-scale renewable energy pro-jects promoted by private developers with a total installed capacity of 158 MW and a planned yield of 765 GWh of clean energy production per year.GET FiT Uganda has been developed by the Gov-ernment of Uganda and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) in close cooperation with the KfW Development Bank. GET FiT is being supported by theGovernments of Norway, the United Kingdom,Germany,andtheEuropeanUnion(EU). All of the 17 projects, including small hydropow-er, solarPV, and biomassprojects, are operationalsince2021.Withthisachievement,GETFiTUgandahas demonstrated its unique ability to attract private sectorinvestments,leveragingoverUSD455millioninprivateinvestments.Furthermore,theprogrammehas contributed to the local economy by creating over14,000jobs(FTEs).Asprogrammeactivitieswillcometoanendin2024,themainfocuswillremainon addressing deemed energy challenges in the GET FiTportfolio,andassociatedgridimprovements.For more information on GET FiT Uganda, pleasevisit the website www.gett-uganda.org.Other GET FiT InitiativesGET FiT Uganda GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 2020 Hydropower Bagasse Solar PVKakira CHPSiti I SHPSiti II SHPWaki SHPNkusi SHPSindila SHPNdugutu SHPRwimi SHPNyamwamba SHPNyamagasani I + II SHPsKyambura SHPKikagati SHPMuvumbe SHPLubilia SHPTororo Solar PVSoroti Solar PVRWANDATANZANIAKENYADEMOCRATICREPUBLICOF THE CONGOSOUTH SUDANUgandaLAKE VICTORIALAKE ALBERTLAKE EDWARDGET FiT Uganda project portfolio
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202321GET FiT creates an opportunity for Mozambique to harness its largely untapped renewable energy (RE) potential by leveraging private sector participation. Building on experiencefrom Uganda andZambia,the Programme will provide support to un-locking investments in RE projects by improving the private investment framework conditions. GET FiT Mozambique promotes various incentives to leverage private investments for RE projects with highsocio-economicimpacts.Combined,theGer-man Government and the European Union through KFWhavecommittedgrantsofuptoEUR68milliontotheGovernmentofMozambique,aimingatlever-aging additional private investments of at least EUR 100 million for the following three components of GETFiTMozambique: GETFiTMozambiqueI:Solar PV plus storage, grid connected; tender preparations ongoing (nancedbyGermanCooperation) GETFiT Mozambique II: At least 25 MW hydro power, on-grid connected: implementation plannedtocommencein2024(nancedbytheEuropean Union within the Green Deal Team Eu-rope Initiative for Mozambique, in line with theEU Global Gateway initiative) O-gridcomponent(GreenPeople’sEnergyforAfrica: Mozambique): Rural mini-grids, com-bined up to 3 MW; tender preparations ongoing (nancedbyGermanCooperation)Programme context:The Government of Mozambique (GoM) aims to achieve universal energy access by 2030, facingchallengessuchaslowelectricationratesandlowpowersupplyreliability.Increasedprivatesectorin-volvement is considered a key element in addressing these challenges but are constrained due to eco-nomic weakness and investment risk perception. The GoM is enacting several reforms and measures toattractprivateinvestment,includingaPPPLaw,establishment of the Autoridade Reguladora de En-ergia(ARENE),andelectricitylawrevisions.Despiteprogress,critical risks persist, includingregulatoryuncertainties,inadequate taris,highgridconnec-tioncosts, andlackof standardizedprocessesforIndependentPowerProducers(IPPs).GETFiTMo-zambiqueisdesignedtospecicallyaddresstheserisks, thereby facilitating increased private sectorparticipation and boost power production and elec-tricity supply capacity.Similar to the GET FiT programmes in Zambia and Uganda,theprogramme'stoolboxincludesseveralinstruments to support the development of the en-ergysectorinMozambique.Inthemini-gridscom-ponent, there is also a Productive Use of energypromotioncomponent,aimedtostimulateeconom-ic activity in the targeted areas. ForfurtherinformationaboutGETFiTMozambique,please visit https://www.gett-moz.org. GET FiT Mozambique
22OutlookOutlookHavingsecurednancierswhohaveexpressedinterestinnancingthe120 MWGETFiTsolarPVprojects,theGETFiTSecretariatlooksforwardtoworkingtowardsachievingnancialclosein2024andsubsequentlypavingthewayforcommercialoperationdateby2026.Againstthisbackdrop,thefocusfor2024willbetocapitalise on the progress made during 2023. Par-ticular focus will be on ensuring that the successful bidders sign mandate letters and project agree-ments and that lenders commence due diligence. Some of the GET FiT Secretariat’s activities will focus on providing support to the due diligence pro-cess,whererequired,toenabletheachievementofnancialcloseby2024.Inaddition,thePIC’sfocusandeortswillalsoslowlybedirectedtowardstheSHPportfolio,includingagreeingandnalisingtherevised timelines with key stakeholders for launch-ing the tender and seeking opportunities to collab-orate with other donors to increase the available grant funding for the SHP programme.Focus during 2024 will also be on the implementa-tionofthekeyinitiativesrelatedtotheGISplatformas well as the Open Access Market Framework. A successful outcome of GET FiT Zambia has the potential to make Zambia more resilient in tackling the impact of climate change. With a portfolio ge-ographically spread across the country and repre-sentingdierentgenerationtechnologies(SolarPVandSmallHydropower),theprojectscancontributetoreducingthenegativeimpactofexternalshocks,such as the droughts experienced by the countryand the Southern African region. The clear ambition for GET FiT in 2024 is to come one step closer to the programme outcome target of diversifying the energy mix by bringing online120 MW of Solar PV projects and improving frame-work conditions for private investments in on-grid renewable energies up to 20 MW. This will enable a foundation to be set for further development of the SHP portfolio of projects as well as future private sector projects in Zambia.
GET FiT Zambia | Annual Update 202323GET FiT ZambiaAnnual Update 2023This report and all its contentsincludingguresandgraphs are produced by Multiconsult.multiconsult.noCredits:Page4:AJ_Watt/GettyImagesOtherphotos:MulticonsultGET FiT Secretariatc/o Multiconsult Norge ASEnergyRegulationBoard–Main BuildingGroundFloor–Room101Danny Pule RoadLusaka,Zambiainfo@gett-zambia.orgMulticonsult Norway– HeadquarterNedre Skøyen vei 20276OsloNorway+47 21 58 50 00energi@multiconsult.noKfWMarcoFreitag,PrincipalProjectManagerKfW BankengruppeLAd4–InfrastructureSouthernAfricaPalmengartenstr. 5-960325FrankfurtGermanyThe People at Work forGET FiT ZambiaThe programme is mainly carried forward by the GET FiT Zambia Secretariat in Lusaka and the Zambian governmental institutions Department of Energy (DoE) and Ocefor Promoting Private Power Investment(OPPPI). The picture to the left showsrepresentatives from the GET FiT Secreta-riatandtheDoE.Fromlefttoright,backtofront Agnelli Kafuwe (DoE), Dailesi Njobvu(GETFiTSecretariat),JudithRaphael(GETFiT Secretariat), Brian Siakweenda (DoE),Isaac Soko (DoE) and Allan Chivunda(DoE). Other representatives who are not in the picture include David Wamulume (DoE), Shuko Zyambo (OPPPI), MisheckMubuyaeta(OPPPI)andDavidPhiri(OPPPI).KfW,inclosecooperationwiththeZambianMinistryofEnergy,isresponsiblefortheimplementationofGETFiTZambia,supportedbyMulticonsultasProgrammeImplementationConsultant:Marco FreitagKfWPrincipal Project ManagerMari Soe Brelin FuruMulticonsultProject ManagerArnold Simwaba Department of EnergyDirectorJudith RaphaelMulticonsultResident Director