Independent power producer Sturdee Energy partners with Upepo Energy to develop a 200 MW wind farm in Zambia's Copperbelt, as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on hydropower.

Sturdee Energy, an independent power producer active across the African continent, is entering the Zambian electricity market through a partnership with Upepo Energy. The two companies are jointly developing the Masaiti Wind Project, a 200-megawatt (MW) onshore wind farm. The move marks an expansion for Sturdee Energy into the renewable energy sector across East and Southern Africa.

A strategic connection to the national grid

The project is at an advanced stage of development in Mpongwe District, located in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. It sits near a 330-kilovolt (kV) transmission line operated by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), the country's state-owned power utility. This proximity is meant to allow the planned wind farm to connect directly to the national high-voltage grid.

According to the developers, this location represents an advantage for feeding renewable electricity into Zambia's transmission network. The project also aims to support electricity supply in the Copperbelt, an industrial region with significant energy demand tied in part to mining activity.

Zambia's reliance on hydropower under pressure

Zambia has traditionally depended heavily on hydropower, with hydroelectric facilities accounting for more than 80% of the country's electricity output. Repeated droughts in recent years, however, have reduced water availability at major hydropower dams. This has contributed to lower electricity generation and prolonged power cuts affecting 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 source not dependent on rainfall. Expanding wind and other renewable capacity could help reduce the country's exposure to climate-related risks affecting hydropower generation.

Expected local benefits

The partnership between Sturdee Energy and Upepo Energy includes a focus on local economic and social development. The project is expected to create jobs during construction and operations while supporting infrastructure development in surrounding communities.

The two companies also plan to contribute to social amenity initiatives in the project's host chiefdoms. Local leaders and energy sector stakeholders have welcomed the 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 a notable addition to the country's renewable energy infrastructure.