Luchenene Hydropower Project
A 35MW high-head hydropower facility with an approved ESIA and a signed Implementation Agreement, targeting financial close in Q4 2026.
- Capacity
- 35MW
- Annual output (P50)
- ~312 GWh combined
- FID target
- Q4 2026
Project overview
About the project
This development comprises two complementary hydropower facilities in Muchinga Province, north-east Zambia: the 49MW Mutinondo and 35MW Luchenene projects, with a combined installed capacity of 85MW and expected annual generation of ~312GWh (P50).
Both projects are shovel-ready. Key feasibility studies are complete, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) have been submitted to ZEMA (with the Luchenene ESIA already approved), and Implementation Agreements have been signed with the Government of Zambia ahead of financial close.
The projects are being developed by AFI Zambia, AREF II and PowerMin, utilising high-head hydrology, regulating weirs and climate-resilient catchments to support stable, year-round generation.
An 85km, 132kV transmission line will connect the projects to the ZESCO Mpika substation, supporting integration into Zambia’s national grid and regional power markets.
Luchenene is developed alongside the Mutinondo (49MW) project as a combined 85MW development sharing transmission infrastructure.
Project highlights
Why this project
Complementary projects
49MW Mutinondo and 35MW Luchenene, each with regulating weirs that support peaking flexibility.
High sponsor pedigree
AFI has extensive African project finance experience.
Strong Government of Zambia support
Implementation Agreements signed with the Government of Zambia; open-access legislation supports direct power sales.
Learn more about Luchenene
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