In the heart of Zambia’s Luapula Province, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding. Against the backdrop of an escalating national energy crisis driven by prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, Luapula Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LpWSC) is lighting the way forward with an innovative biogas energy project – turning waste into watts.
At the newly constructed wastewater treatment facility in the regional capital Mansa, the air hums with a different kind of power. Instead of relying on Zambia’s strained hydroelectric grid, the plant now generates its own electricity from biogas – methane captured from decomposing sewage sludge. This leap in green technology is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a symbol of resilience, innovation and international solidarity.
The biogas project emerged from a dynamic collaboration under the European Union Water Operators’ Partnerships (EU-WOP) programme, coordinated by the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance. At its heart was a peer-to-peer exchange between LpWSC and its German counterparts – lead partner Stadtentwässerung Dresden, supported by Fernwasserversorgung Elbaue Ostharz and Zweckverband Wasser Abwasser Vogtland. While the European partners brought technical expertise and experience, LpWSC led with local knowledge, operational leadership and a bold vision for energy self-sufficiency. Together, they co-developed the biogas facility from the ground up – sharing skills, solving problems, and building a model that blends global innovation with local ownership.
“This project isn’t just about energy – it’s about leadership in the face of crisis,” said Golden Manyanga, Senior Manager Engineering of LpWSC. “We saw the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity and chose to respond with innovation. By turning waste into power, we’re showing that a Zambian utility can lead the transition to clean, reliable and homegrown energy solutions. We’re not waiting for change – we’re creating it.”
The biogas plant operates through anaerobic digestion, a process that breaks down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, releasing methane gas. This gas is then captured, refined and used to generate electricity, which now powers the treatment plant and associated pump stations. In a country where electricity shortages frequently hinder essential services, this development ensures consistent and independent energy access.
But the benefits go far beyond keeping the lights on.
From Pollution to Power
The environmental gains are tangible. By capturing methane – a greenhouse gas more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide – LpWSC is actively reducing emissions while improving wastewater treatment efficiency. Any remaining sludge is processed into organic fertilizer, closing the loop in a circular economy that serves both sanitation and agriculture.
“We used to worry that power cuts would stop the pumps and overflow the system,” said Jane Mulenga, Waste Water Plant Operator.“Now, we have our own energy. It’s a huge relief – we no longer have to worry about disruptions, and we know we’re doing something great for the environment.”
The project has also created new jobs in operations, maintenance, and technical training, helping build a skilled local workforce in green technologies. At the same time, reduced electricity costs are allowing LpWSC to reinvest in service improvements and expand water and sanitation access.
There are also clear public health benefits. More efficient sludge management means cleaner local water bodies and reduced risk of waterborne diseases – particularly important for communities relying on these services daily. At the same time, lower emissions are improving the environment for both staff and nearby residents.
A Broader Vision
The biogas plant in Mansa - a city often seen as the gateway to northern Zambia - marks an important step in advancing Zambia’s development priorities. It supports Vision 2030 and the Seventh National Development Plan, both of which emphasise sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and climate resilience. The initiative also aligns with global commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean energy, resilient infrastructure and climate action. By adopting renewable energy within the water and sanitation sector, LpWSC is contributing to both national sustainability targets and broader international development efforts.
“We are proud to contribute to Zambia’s energy security and environmental goals,” Manyanga added. “This biogas facility is not just a source of power – it’s a proof of concept for what utilities across Africa can achieve with the right support.”
As LpWSC explores opportunities to expand the plant’s capacity and potentially feed surplus energy to surrounding communities, the company is also considering solar integration for a hybrid renewable system. The future, it seems, is not just sustainable – but self-sufficient.
From sludge to sustainability, Mansa’s wastewater is being reborn as a clean energy source – thanks to vision, commitment and a partnership that spans continents.
Watch a TV report by Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) on the development and purpose of LpWSC’s biogas plant.
