Tata Power's Joint-Venture commissions 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi hydro Power Project in Zambia

The synchronisation of both the units was completed in January, 2016.  The JV partner ZESCO wishes to celebrate commissioning of the Itezhi Tezhi Power Project by inviting Edgar Lungu, the President of Zambia, to dedicate it to the nation.

The 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi Power Project is situated on the Itezhi Tezhi Dam.

The initial purpose of the Itezhi Tezhi Dam, constructed in the 1970s, was to serve as a reservoir for the Kafue Gorge power station. However, due to an acute power deficit in the late 2000s, the Government of Zambia revived its plans to construct a hydro power plant in close proximity to the dam site.

The 120 MW project was, therefore, selected as a viable brownfield solution to address the power shortage in Zambia, and the Itezhi Tezhi Power Corporation (ITPC) was incorporated in 2007.

It is a first of a kind public private partnership (PPP) in the power sector in Zambia, and is currently owned by Tata Power and ZESCO, a Zambian power utility, on a 50:50 basis on a 25 year BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) concession term. ZESCO is the sole off-taker of power from the ITT power plant.

Speaking about the commissioning, Anil Sardana, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said, “We are delighted to announce the commissioning of both the units of the Itezhi Tezhi hydro power project. It is a major milestone for us as this takes us a step forward to make our international footprints stronger. Through this project, we hope to create value for the people of Zambia by maximising our shareholder value. We would like to thank ZESCO and IPTC team for their support in setting up this project.”