BB Energy, a Switzerland-based energy trading company, has commissioned the 25MW Mailo Phase-1 solar PV plant in Zambia. Mailo Phase-1 marks BB Energy’s first operational merchant solar project and its entry into electricity trading through the Southern African Power Pool. According to BB Energy, the plant generates over 60GWh annually and offsets nearly 60,000tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The plant spans 204 hectares in Mailo Chiefdom and forms part of Solarcentury Africa’s 500MW merchant solar portfolio in Southern Africa. Standard Bank has provided a $40million loan to BB Energy for the 35MW Mailo Phase 2 project now under construction. BB Energy has planned to expand the Mailo solar facility to a total of 118MW capacity by the year 2027. BB Energy confirmed that the project has created over 400 local jobs and included a financial benefit agreement with the local community.