Corpus Advises Globeleq on the 40MWac Kafue Solar Project
Corpus Legal Practitioners has advised Globeleq on the development of its 40MWac Kafue Solar Project in Zambia, acting as Lead local Counsel on the Project site structuring aspects of the transaction, which recently achieved financial close.
Project Background and Proposal Submission
The project originated under the GET FiT Zambia Solar PV programme. Proposals were submitted in 2018, with effective awards issued in August 2019 for two adjacent 20MWac projects, Sola One and Sola Two. The two projects were subsequently structured for implementation as a combined 40MWac facility under a single project company, Globeleq Kafue Solar Limited, with standardised GET FiT project agreements concluded with ZESCO Limited and the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
Land Acquisition and Project Site Structuring
Corpus also advised on securing the land required for the project from Kafue Fisheries Limited. The engagement initially involved establishing rights of access to the feasibility area and securing a lease option to facilitate project development and assessment.
As the project progressed towards financial close, Corpus advised on the transition from the initial access and lease option arrangements to the outright acquisition of the project site. This involved addressing land acquisition and site structuring considerations in line with lender requirements and transaction timelines.
Corpus also advised on planning requirements, including the change of land use to accommodate the proposed solar development and align the site’s permitted use with the project’s requirements.
Project Implementation and Regulatory Approvals
In addition to the land acquisition and site structuring work, Corpus supported key legal and regulatory workstreams associated with the project’s implementation and progression towards financial close.
This included advising on the implementation documentation, comprising the standardised GET FiT Power Purchase Agreement and grid connection arrangements with ZESCO Limited, together with the Implementation Agreement with the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
Corpus also supported the process of obtaining wayleave and route clearances for the project’s 33kV power evacuation line, including addressing conditions associated with ZESCO’s clearance for the use of portions of the Kafue Town KTZ 33kV wayleave during finalisation of the proposed route.
Financial Close and Significance
The achievement of financial close marks a significant milestone in the development of the Kafue Solar Project and represents an important step towards expanding Zambia’s renewable energy generation capacity.
As Zambia continues to attract investment into its energy sector, projects of this nature highlight the importance of effective collaboration between project developers, financiers, public institutions and professional advisers. Careful land acquisition, appropriate project site structuring and the timely resolution of legal and regulatory requirements are critical to advancing energy infrastructure projects from development through to implementation.
Commenting on the transaction, Charles Mkokweza, Senior Partner at Corpus Legal Practitioners, said:
“The successful financial close of the Kafue Solar Project highlights the importance of practical and commercially focused legal advice in delivering complex infrastructure projects. We are proud to have worked alongside Globeleq in structuring solutions that addressed both project development and financing requirements, helping to support an important renewable energy investment for Zambia.”
Corpus Team
The Corpus team was led by Charles Mkokweza (Senior Partner) and included Jackie Jhala (Partner and Head of Corporate Advisory), Lupiya Simusokwe (Partner and Head of Banking and Finance), Coleen Namuyamba-Bwalya (Senior Associate), Sankananji Mubanga-Chilufya (Senior Associate), Grace Kapembwa Longwe (Associate), Chifunilo Chikoya (Associate), Murray Mulala (Associate) and Mulenga Chileshe (Lawyer).
For more information on our Energy & Infrastructure practice, please contact: Charles Mkokweza at CMkokweza@corpus.co.zm.