Seven British companies plan to set up renewable energy projects in Zambia, a British diplomat told Zambian media on 11 November.
The Zambian state broadcaster quoted British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley as saying that the companies are currently conducting feasibility studies and applying for regulatory approval before the projects begin.
Woolley said the companies wanted to set up solar and wind projects in different parts of Zambia and sell them to state-run power company Zesco Limited.
Zambia is in the process of rotational load shedding (i.e. electricity usage restrictions) as hydroelectricity generation has been affected by the falling water levels in the country's major rivers. The government is aiming to accelerate diversification of the energy sector to reduce reliance on hydropower.