SLR supports an Independent Power Producer with their Zambia GET FiT bid

Challenge

SLR supported Globeleq Africa Holdings Limited (Globeleq) and Aurora Power Solutions Pty Ltd (APS) throughout their bid submission for the GET FiT Zambia Programme. GET FiT Zambia is a programme jointly developed and implemented by the Ministry of Energy of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and KfW Development Bank with the aim of procuring 100 megawatts (MW) of solar PV energy projects in Zambia. GET FiT supports small- to medium-scale Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects up to 20 MW, in line with Zambia’s REFiT Strategy.

Solution

SLR’s support included pre-bid site selection studies aimed at screening the environmental and social risks of a number of alternative sites, allowing the client to select the most suitable site from a technical and environmental perspective.

Following on from this, SLR compiled an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in compliance with the Zambian EIA Regulations and the IFC Performance Standards. This report was submitted as part of the client bidding documents for two solar PV plants and an associated transmission line.

Impact

The client prequalified under the first stage of the GET FiT Zambia Solar PV Tender to develop two solar PV plants of up to 20 megawatts (MW) each in the Kafue District. SLR continued to support the client by undertaking more detailed field surveys, compiling a Resettlement Policy Framework (RFP) and detailed Environmental and Social Management Plans. All reports were reviewed by KfW within the GET FiT office and submitted to the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for approval.

Overall the support to the client included site screening, biodiversity, social and heritage field surveys, compilation of an ESIA and ESMP report, compilation of a RPF and extensive stakeholder engagement with identified stakeholders within the project area. All reporting was completed in alignment with the IFC Performance Standards.