The KfW-run Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariff (Get FiT) programme is moving to requests for proposals (RfPs) but donors are increasingly concerned about indebtedness at Zesco and the government generally, writes Dan Marks

The Get FiT secretariat in Zambia issued a request for proposals (RfP) for the procurement of 100MW solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity on 31 August and bids are due by 29 November. The Get FiT programme is being jointly developed and implemented by the Ministry of Energy and German development bank KfW to fulfil the government’s renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) strategy. The Get FiT secretariat in Zambia is managed by Multiconsult, which is also the implementation consultant. The programme received 41 project submissions from 24 solar power developers during prequalification.

The RfP was sent to ten companies or consortia prequalified in June (AE 372/10): Building Energy, EDF Energies Nouvelles, Enel Green Power, Engie Afrique, Globeleq African Holdings and Aurora Power Solutions, InnoVent and Copperbelt Energy Corporation, Mulilo Group Holdings, Phanes Group, Scatec Solar, and SolarReserve Development Company.

While price is an important element of scoring for the tender, technical aspects and the impact on the grid will also be considered. A rapid grid assessment was undertaken following prequalification, but a further assessment of the cumulative impact of prospective projects will follow the submission of proposals, which could result in projects being rejected. KfW expects the solar programme to conclude in early 2019.
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The Get FiT programme will be discussed as part of the fifth Africa Investment Exchange: Power & Renewables meeting at RSA House, 14-15 November 2018.