Multiconsult will manage the secretariat for the GET FiT program in Zambia and provide comprehensive commercial, technical and administrative support in an effort to realize up to 200 MWs of small- to medium scale renewable Projects.
For 4.5 years, Multiconsult has had the same role as Implementation Consultant for GET FiT in Uganda, where the program has leveraged some USD 439 million in investment, leading to 17 renewable energy projects now in operation or under construction. During this period, Uganda has emerged as one of Africa’s most attractive renewable energy investment destination and the country with the most renewable Independent Power Producers (IPPs) currently under development.
The German development bank KfW is now looking to tailor the program in an effort to roll out the success to Zambia. Multiconsult will take up the role as the Implementation Consultant, a comprehensive and multi-year role covering everything from policy and regulatory support to tender implementation and construction supervision. Multiconsult will staff and manage the GET FiT Secretariat in Zambia for at least the next three years.
Proven track record
Multiconsult’s Program Manager for GET FiT in Uganda, Joakim Arntsen emphasizes that:
“With nearly 5 years of experience of hands-on implementation in Uganda, our team is excited to apply lessons learned and contribute to a successful roll-out of the program in Zambia. Our team however recognizes and appreciates that the implementation in Zambia will come with new and unique challenges.”
The Implementation Consultancy will compliment efforts by Multiconsult as Tender Agent for the ongoing 100 MW solar tender. Ryan Anderson, Team Leader for both the Tender Agent and now Implementation Consultancy in Zambia emphasizes that:
“Our team has a proven track record of offering our clients truly integrated and comprehensive technical, E&S, financial and regulatory support in the implementation of energy projects in Africa. Underpinned by seasoned professionals in all disciplines and a well-tested compliance system, clients appear to appreciate and value our focus on quality and integrated support.”
Ryan Anderson also emphasizes the social impact:
“If successful, GET FiT will not only provide up to 200 MWs of new generation from small renewables to the people of Zambia, it will leave a lasting impact on the regulatory framework for all future investments in the power sector.”
Key partners
Multiconsult brings with it a top-notch consortium of partners to the assignment, combining international know-how with local knowledge. Trinity International LLP will be the international legal counsel, with Chibesakunda supporting as local legal counsel. Rankin will serve as the local engineering member of the consortium.
The overall management and quality assurance of the Implementation Consultancy will be managed out of Oslo, but Multiconsult will have a permanent presence in Zambia for the next 3–6 years (expected duration of the assignment). As noted by Tore Eliassen, Head of Multiconsult’s Renewable Energy Advisory Services:
“This assignment ensures that Multiconsult will have a prominent role in the Zambian power sector for several years to come. Our team is proud to take up this role and yet humbled by the challenging task ahead of us and confidence bestowed on our team by KfW and the Government of Zambia.”
Offering perhaps the most promising model for standardization and regulatory reform for small renewable IPPs in Africa, Multiconsult is proud to continue its role in supporting KfW and its partners to make GET FiT a continued success.