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Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower — Zambia (750MW, ZESCO/Enel Green Power)

Country
Zambia
Sector
Energy
Intelligence Type
Project
Status / Stage
Under Construction
Estimated Value
USD Billion 2
Confidence
Confirmed

Zambia’s 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower project — $2bn, developed by ZESCO (80%) and Enel Green Power (20%). Multiple turbines commissioned. Full 750MW expected 2026-2027. Supplies Zambia’s copper mines and national grid.

Project Details

Project TypeRun-of-river hydropower — 750MW, 6 x 125MW units
Project OwnerZESCO (80%); Enel Green Power (20%)
Main ContractorSinohydro (construction)
Project DeveloperEnel Green Power
Financing InstitutionAfDB; EIB; China Exim Bank; Enel Green Power equity
Start Date2015
Expected CompletionFull commissioning 2026-2027
Current PhaseCommissioning
Funding StatusClosed

Latest Development (Detail)

Multiple turbines commissioned. Final turbines expected 2026-2027.

What Happens Next

Final turbine commissioning and full 750MW operational.

Commercial Opportunity

750MW new hydro for Zambia's copper mining — directly enables expanded production.

Commercial Opportunity Intelligence

Commercial ReadinessCommercially Active

Source & Verification Trail

Last VerifiedAugust 2026
Source(s)Enel Green Power project page; AfDB Kafue Gorge Lower; ZESCO annual report
Source Date2024–2026