Powering Progress: OWNCA's Renewable Energy Revolution
How we're transforming Zambia's energy landscape through innovative clean energy solutions
At One World Nature Conservation Alliance (OWNCA), we believe that access to clean, affordable energy is fundamental to sustainable development and climate resilience. In Zambia, where only 31% of the rural population has electricity access and climate change threatens traditional hydropower, we're pioneering renewable energy solutions that empower communities, protect ecosystems and drive economic growth.
Renewable energy is more than just technology - it's a catalyst for transformation. Through our innovative projects, we're lighting homes, powering businesses and creating a sustainable future for Zambia. This is the OWNCA energy revolution.
Our Vision for Zambia's Energy Future
Zambia faces significant energy challenges. With 85% of electricity coming from hydropower, climate-induced droughts have created chronic power shortages. Meanwhile, rural communities remain disconnected from the grid, relying on expensive and polluting alternatives like kerosene and diesel generators.
OWNCA's comprehensive energy strategy addresses these challenges through:
Solar-powered schools
Health centers electrified
Clean cookstoves distributed
Transformative Energy Interventions
Our Renewable Energy Solutions
OWNCA implements innovative, community-centered renewable energy projects across Zambia
Solar Education Initiative
We've installed solar systems in 12 rural schools across 5 provinces, transforming educational opportunities:
- 10,000+ students now study with reliable lighting
- Computer labs powered by solar energy
- Internet connectivity enabling digital learning
- Teacher training in renewable technology
"Our exam pass rate increased by 35% since solar installation" - Headteacher, Eastern Province
Health Center Electrification Program
11 rural health centers now operate with reliable solar power:
- Vaccine refrigeration saving thousands of lives
- 24/7 emergency and maternity services
- Medical equipment powered by clean energy
- Telemedicine connecting remote clinics to specialists
15,000+ patients served monthly with solar-powered care
Clean Cooking Revolution
We've distributed 220 efficient cookstoves and trained communities in sustainable biomass management:
- 40% reduction in firewood consumption
- 35% decrease in respiratory illnesses
- 2 hours daily saved in fuel collection (primarily by women)
- 84 green jobs created in local production
Impact That Powers Change
Our renewable energy interventions create cascading benefits across communities and ecosystems:
Extended study hours, digital access and improved educational outcomes
Improved medical services, vaccine preservation and reduced indoor pollution
Reduced deforestation and carbon emissions through clean alternatives
New businesses, job creation and reduced energy expenditures
"Before OWNCA brought solar power to our clinic, we delivered babies by candlelight. Now we have reliable lighting, refrigeration for medicines and can offer 24-hour emergency services. This has transformed healthcare in our community."
- Grace Mwila, Nurse, Luapula Province
Partnerships for Progress
Our impact is amplified through strategic collaborations:
Government Collaboration
Working with Ministry of Energy to develop Zambia's Renewable Energy Strategy and streamline regulations
Academic Partnerships
Joint research with University of Zambia on solar efficiency and storage solutions
International Alliances
Collaborating with global renewable energy leaders to bring cutting-edge technology to Zambia
The Future We're Building
Our 2030 Vision: Expanding renewable energy access across Zambia
Zambia's First Community Wind Farm
Developing a 5MW wind farm in Southern Province to power 8,000 homes
Solar Innovation Hubs
Establishing training centers in Lusaka, Ndola and Livingstone to build local capacity
Mini-Grid Expansion
Creating 15 new solar mini-grids to power rural business clusters
Green Energy Academy
Training 500 renewable energy technicians by 2030
Benefits Beyond Carbon Reduction
While climate mitigation is the primary driver, renewable energy offers multiple co-benefits:
Health Improvements
Reduces air pollution, preventing 7 million premature deaths annually from fossil fuel emissions.
Economic Opportunity
Creates 3x more jobs per dollar invested than fossil fuels. Solar jobs are growing 5x faster than overall US economy.
Energy Access
Enables affordable electricity for 770 million people currently without access, especially in remote areas.
Energy Security
Reduces dependence on imported fuels and price volatility. Domestic renewable resources are infinite.
Water Conservation
Solar and wind use minimal water compared to fossil and nuclear plants that consume billions of gallons daily.
Cost Savings
New renewables are cheaper than new fossil plants in most markets. Solar costs fell 89% in past decade.
Overcoming Challenges
While the renewable transition is accelerating, significant challenges remain:
Energy Storage
Intermittency requires advanced storage solutions. Battery costs must continue falling to support 24/7 renewable grids.
Grid Modernization
Existing grids need upgrades to handle distributed, variable renewable sources and bidirectional power flows.
Infrastructure
Massive scaling requires new transmission lines, manufacturing capacity and skilled workforce development.
Innovative Solutions
- Battery breakthroughs: Solid-state batteries promise 2x energy density at half the cost
- Green hydrogen: Using surplus renewable energy to produce clean fuel for industry and transport
- Virtual power plants: Aggregating distributed resources like EVs and smart appliances
- Advanced forecasting: AI-powered predictions for renewable output and grid management
- Hybrid systems: Combining solar, wind and storage for consistent output
Join Our Energy Revolution
Partner with OWNCA to bring clean energy to communities across Zambia