Sturdee Energy, an African Independent Power Producer, has entered the Zambian electricity market through a partnership with Upepo Energy to develop the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project. The development marks an important expansion for Sturdee Energy into the renewable energy sector across East and Southern Africa.
The Masaiti Wind Project is at an advanced stage of development in Mpongwe District in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The project is strategically located near an existing 330 kV transmission line operated by Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), allowing the planned wind farm to connect directly to the national electricity grid.
The location is expected to provide an important advantage as the project can supply renewable electricity directly into Zambia’s high-voltage transmission network. The development is also aimed at supporting electricity supply in the Copperbelt, an important industrial region with significant energy demand.
Zambia has traditionally depended heavily on hydropower for electricity generation, with hydroelectric facilities accounting for more than 80% of the country’s power output. However, repeated droughts in recent years have reduced water availability at major hydropower facilities. This has contributed to lower electricity generation and prolonged load-shedding and power interruptions for households and businesses.
The Masaiti Wind Project is expected to contribute to the diversification of Zambia’s electricity generation mix by adding a large-scale renewable energy source that is not dependent on rainfall. Increasing wind and other renewable energy capacity could help reduce the country’s exposure to climate-related risks affecting hydropower generation.
The partnership between Sturdee Energy and Upepo Energy also includes a focus on local economic and social development. The project is expected to create employment opportunities during construction and operations while supporting infrastructure development in surrounding communities.
The companies also plan to contribute to social amenity initiatives in the host chiefdoms. These efforts are intended to ensure that communities located near the project benefit from its development alongside the wider energy and economic advantages.
Local leaders and energy stakeholders have welcomed the proposed wind project, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen electricity security and support economic activity in the Copperbelt region.
With Zambia seeking to reduce its dependence on hydropower and improve grid reliability, the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project could become an important addition to the country’s renewable energy infrastructure and support its broader transition toward a more diversified and resilient power system.
