South African renewable energy independent power producer Sturdee Energy has entered Zambia through the acquisition of the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project in the Copperbelt region’s Mpongwe District. The late-stage project will connect to the national grid through a nearby 330 kV ZESCO transmission line. Sturdee plans to advance the project toward financial close and is considering combining wind, solar photovoltaic and battery storage to provide round-the-clock renewable power.
Key Overview
- Sturdee Energy has acquired the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project in Zambia.
- The project is located in Mpongwe District in the Copperbelt region.
- It is in the late development stage and will connect through a nearby 330 kV ZESCO transmission line.
- Sturdee plans to take the project through its final development stages to financial close.
- Potential routes to market include ZESCO, the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), power traders and bilateral contracts.
- The company is considering adding solar PV and battery energy storage.
- The project has not yet reached financial close, and its cost, lenders and construction schedule have not been disclosed.
Sturdee Energy Acquires 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project
South African renewables-focused independent power producer Sturdee Energy has announced its entrance into the Zambian market through the acquisition of the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project.
The project is located in Zambia’s Copperbelt region in Mpongwe District and is currently in the late development stage. Sturdee Energy is acquiring the project development from Upepo Holdings LLC through its local subsidiary, Upepo Energy Zambia.
The acquisition gives Sturdee a large-scale wind project in Zambia as the country continues to expand its electricity generation capacity and diversify its renewable energy mix.
Masaiti Project to Connect to National Grid
The Masaiti Wind Project has an installed capacity of 200 MW and is expected to connect to Zambia’s national grid through a nearby 330 kV ZESCO transmission line.
Following the acquisition, Sturdee Energy will advance the project through its final development stages and work toward financial close before bringing the project to market.
The company has not yet disclosed the project’s cost, potential lenders or a detailed construction schedule. Financial close has also not yet been reached.
Multiple Power Sales Routes Under Consideration
Sturdee Energy is considering several routes for selling the electricity generated by the Masaiti project.
These include offtake arrangements with ZESCO, sales through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), transactions with power traders and bilateral agreements with mining and industrial customers.
The company is also considering structures such as contracts for difference for commercial and industrial buyers.
James White, co-CEO of Sturdee Energy, said:
“The acquisition of the Masaiti Wind Farm puts us in a position to enter an incredibly important market, with not just talk, but action. The Masaiti Wind Farm is only the tip of the spear where we intend to expand rapidly to answer the call for 24-hour renewable energy in SADC, delivered to our customers on their terms.”
Wind, Solar and Battery Storage Combination
Sturdee Energy is also considering integrating solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems with the Masaiti wind project.
The combination of wind, solar and storage could provide a more consistent, round-the-clock renewable power profile. The company says this could allow it to serve different types of customers under a single power purchase agreement.
The proposed integration would expand the project beyond a standalone wind facility and could help provide a more consistent clean power supply.
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Zambia Expands Renewable Energy Capacity
The acquisition comes as Zambia expands its power sector and adds more non-hydro renewable generation.
According to the Energy Ministry, installed solar capacity increased from 88 MW in 2021 to 841 MW in 2026. Over the same period, total generation capacity increased from 3,100 MW to 4,576 MW.
Zambia plans to continue expanding generation capacity to support economic growth. The mining sector accounts for a major share of electricity demand, while the government is targeting annual copper production of 3 million tons by 2031.
Sturdee Energy has pointed to Zambia’s expected growth in copper production and electricity generation as part of the rationale for entering the market.
Sturdee’s South African Renewable Energy Portfolio
The Masaiti acquisition builds on Sturdee Energy’s renewable energy development activities in South Africa.
In November 2025, the company achieved financial close for the 91.2 MW Bela Bela solar park in Limpopo. The project is valued at R2 billion and will supply renewable power to a South African gold mining company under a five-year power purchase agreement.
The Bela Bela project will connect to the Eskom grid’s Warmbad substation and will use JA Solar modules, GameChange single-axis trackers and Sungrow inverters. Cox Energy South Africa will undertake the engineering, procurement and construction works.
Zambia’s Renewable Energy Mix
The Masaiti project would broaden Zambia’s renewable energy mix beyond solar by introducing a large-scale wind project.
If Sturdee proceeds with its plans to add solar PV and battery storage, the project could eventually combine three technologies within one renewable energy development.
For Sturdee, the acquisition represents an initial step into Zambia and forms part of its stated intention to expand renewable energy development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Outlook
Sturdee Energy will now focus on advancing the 200 MW Masaiti Wind Project through its remaining development stages toward financial close. The company is assessing multiple routes to market, including ZESCO, SAPP, power traders and bilateral agreements with mining and industrial customers. The potential addition of solar PV and battery storage could further strengthen the project’s ability to provide a more consistent renewable power profile. However, the project has not yet reached financial close, and its cost, lenders and construction timeline remain undisclosed.
FAQs
1. What is the capacity of the Masaiti Wind Project?
The Masaiti Wind Project has an installed capacity of 200 MW.
2. Where is the Masaiti Wind Project located?
The project is located in Mpongwe District in Zambia’s Copperbelt region and will connect to the national grid through a nearby 330 kV ZESCO transmission line.
3. How does Sturdee Energy plan to sell the power?
Sturdee is considering sales to ZESCO, through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), to power traders, and through bilateral agreements with mining and industrial customers.
4. Will the Masaiti project include solar and battery storage?
Sturdee Energy is considering adding solar photovoltaic capacity and battery energy storage systems to the wind project to provide a more consistent, round-the-clock renewable power supply.
Sources: Renewables Now, Renewable Watch, Ecofin Agency
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