Enviro News Asia, Zambia — The governments of Norway and Zambia have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy access and security in Zambia under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The agreement allows Norway to purchase up to 3.5 million tonnes of verified carbon dioxide emission reductions from Zambia over a ten-year period in the form of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). The cooperation may generate total emission reductions exceeding twice that amount and contribute to Norway’s 2030 climate target and long-term climate neutrality goal.
Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, stated that the partnership will support climate action during a challenging period for global climate policy. He said the cooperation will reduce emissions in Zambia, mobilize private-sector green investments, and strengthen the country’s power supply while supporting Norway’s climate commitments.
Zambia relies heavily on hydropower as its primary energy source. However, repeated droughts in Southern Africa have exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system, often leading to increased reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation to stabilize electricity supply.
Under the agreement, Norway and Zambia will establish a subsidy programme for Zambia’s energy sector to boost renewable energy production and attract private investment. The programme is expected to initially enable up to 300 megawatts of new solar power capacity combined with battery storage, enhancing regional energy security, improving grid stability, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, said the agreement supports Zambia’s efforts to attract investment in clean and reliable energy. He emphasized that linking finance to verified emission reductions would accelerate renewable energy deployment and strengthen national energy security while advancing climate goals.
The cooperation operates under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables international collaboration on climate mitigation. All emission reductions generated under the agreement must meet strict monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements, including independent third-party verification. Norway will only pay for carbon credits once emission reductions have been achieved and delivered, and all credited reductions must demonstrate additionality. (*)
