Funded by a USTDA grant, Rev-Up Solar Ventures engaged Bates White, who subcontracted K&M Advisors to support a feasibility study for the development of a 200 MW Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) power plant in Solwezi, Zambia. The project aims to supply clean, reliable electricity to Zambia’s industry and households and potentially power two critical mineral mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This initiative addresses Zambia’s increasing energy demand and challenges in hydropower generation caused by climate change. The study will provide technical and financial recommendations to guide the project’s implementation, marking USTDA’s second BESS initiative in Zambia following a prior study in the Sesheke District.

K&M Advisors contributed extensively to the project by supporting the development of a detailed Work Plan, participating in the kick-off meeting and site visit in Zambia, and providing inputs for the Inception Report. K&M conducted a comprehensive Preliminary Grid Connection Study, assessed the project site, performed a Solar Resource and PV Yield Analysis, and developed the Battery Energy Storage Value Proposition with a Battery Dispatch Model and system sizing recommendations.

K&M reviewed Zambia’s regulatory framework, created a Regulatory Process Document, and prepared a Compliance Matrix to ensure regulatory alignment. The team provided strategic input on commercialization options for the project and completed the Project Preliminary Design Information along with a Full Grid Connection Study to evaluate technical integration into the national grid.

To support engineering design, K&M carried out topographical, geotechnical, and hydrological studies, including 10 borings to provide essential site data for EPC contractors. A thorough Technology Analysis of solar modules, inverters, battery storage systems, and trackers was completed, followed by the development of Basic Engineering Designs and Technical Specifications.

K&M developed a comprehensive financial model and provided detailed capital and O&M cost estimates to assess the project’s financial viability, utilizing commercial assumptions provided by Bates White. Additionally, K&M prepared a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for submission to ZEMA and identified potential U.S. manufacturers and suppliers for project equipment and services.

Lastly, K&M consolidated all findings into the project’s Final Report, covering all technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental aspects, ensuring a robust foundation for the successful development of the Solar PV + BESS power plant in Zambia.

Funded by a USTDA grant, GreenCo enlisted the services of K&M to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed development and implementation of a battery energy storage system pilot (BESS Pilot) with a capacity ranging from 10 to 25 MW and energy storage capacity of 40 to 100 MWh. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the feasibility of an expanded portfolio of BESS projects totaling 400 MWh, all to be located in Zambia.

GreenCo, as an intermediary and grid operator, recognizes the challenges posed by the intermittency and limitations of renewable energy sources. To address these challenges and complement its growing solar PV portfolio, GreenCo aims to develop a portfolio of BESS projects. These projects will play a crucial role in balancing the intermittency of renewable energy and optimizing supply curves. The initial BESS project is planned to be co-located with GreenCo’s PV Pilot Project. The primary objective of the feasibility study is to evaluate the technical, economic, and financial viability of implementing the BESS Pilot in Sesheke District, Zambia. Furthermore, the study will provide recommendations for the expanded 400 MWh BESS Portfolio.

K&M’s scope of work encompasses various critical aspects of the feasibility study. Firstly, they will conduct a technical assessment of battery storage technologies suitable for both the BESS Pilot and the BESS Portfolio. This assessment will consider the specific requirements and objectives of GreenCo’s business model. Economic and financial analyses will be carried out to evaluate the operational costs, commercial viability, and market dynamics related to the project. K&M will also explore financing options and assess their feasibility.

To ensure the sustainability and social impact of the project, an environmental and social impact assessment will be conducted. Additionally, a development impact analysis will be performed, along with a review of potential U.S. sources of supply. K&M will also be responsible for developing preliminary implementation schedules and necessary documentation for the project, including requests for qualification and proposals related to battery procurement, as well as engineering procurement and construction. Furthermore, they will assist in developing operations and maintenance agreements, as well as connection agreements, to support the long-term functioning of the BESS Pilot and the BESS Portfolio.

Africa GreenCo has retained K&M Advisors to advise on the development of the company’s procurement procedures and policies. In Zambia, Africa GreenCo will act as an intermediary offtaker and service provider, purchasing power from renewable IPPs and selling that electricity to utilities and private sector offtakers (i.e. commercial and industrial users) as well as other markets of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP). Therefore, Africa GreenCo must have procurement policies and processes that reinforce its role as a credible, independent party. K&M is working closely with Africa GreenCo to develop procurement policies, procedures and documents; and a due diligence and appraisal framework through which Africa GreenCo determines how, and from whom, it purchases and sells power. K&M will: • Review, assess, and recommend changes to existing documents regarding procurement
• Develop procurement policies and associated rules and procedures best suited to meeting the evolving needs of GreenCo
• Develop project appraisal and due diligence framework, including bid documents and associated templates

K&M served as technical and financial consultant to the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on privatization opportunities, alternative energy sources, and diversification of the sugar industries in Mauritius, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. K&M evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of diversifying sugarcane industry operations with emphasis on the production of fuel alcohol and electricity. Particular attention was given to prospects for the introduction of US developed technologies and services in cane energy-related areas, especially for projects that were already in the planning stages (issues addressed: co-generation systems, project finance and development). K&M prepared a report on the highlights and findings of this mission which included recommendations for future action and identifications of project specific opportunities for potential involvement of the US private sector.