Jiangsu SIMBA New Materials Technology in Hai'an, Nantong, completed a video handover ceremony on May 29 for its donation of photovoltaic energy storage systems worth 2 million yuan (about $295,042) to support electricity supply for Zambia's rural communities.

A video handover ceremony is held on May 29 for SIMBA's PV energy storage supplies for Zambia. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

The story began in January this year at a forum on opportunities and challenges for Chinese enterprises in Zambia's energy sector. Xun Jing, president of SIMBA, learned from a Zambia's Ministry of Energy delegation that many schools lack electricity for lighting and some clinics even rely on mobile phone flashlights during operations.

Zambia launched a PV donation initiative on site and SIMBA responded immediately. The company pledged to provide solar mini-grid systems for 35 public schools and 12 rural health centers in Kaumbwe constituency, Petauke district, Eastern province, Zambia.

"The materials store energy from solar panels during the day, and at night, the stored power can be used," said Xun.

The first batch of supplies, covering nine schools and five rural health centers, arrived on the day of the ceremony. The rest will be delivered before August.

For SIMBA, the donation is just a beginning. The company now plans to connect more Chinese manufacturers and engineering service providers with Zambia to foster deeper cooperation, create local jobs, and help train more professionals in renewable energy.