USTDA approves funding for Access Power’s 130 MW Wind Project in Zambia

Access Power announced that the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has approved grant funding for Access Power’s 130MW wind power project in Pensulo, Zambia.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency grant funding will support Access Power’s feasibility studies and efforts in stimulating the development of wind power in Zambia. Electricity in Zambia has historically been generated from hydroelectric sources, accounting for 96% of the country’s electricity production. The prolonged droughts in Southern Africa have subsequently resulted in load shedding for up to 8-hours a day, resulting in a drop in economic productivity. Diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and taping into its vast clean energy power generation potential will therefore further support its economy and satisfy the urgent need for electrification.

Once completed in 2019, the $275 million Pensulo wind farm will generate over 500 GWh of clean electricity, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also increase Zambia’s power generation capacity by 6% and help cut back the load shedding that is currently hampering the country’s economic growth.

“USTDA is pleased to support Access Power in this important clean energy project,” said USTDA XXX “Using a combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies has the potential to reduce Zambia’s electricity costs and significantly energising its economy.”

Reda El Chaar, Executive Chairman of Access Power said: “We are very excited to begin working with USTDA to bring this landmark project to life. This undertaking further solidifies our commitment in providing viable and sustainable solutions for the urgent electrification of Africa.”