from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – MALAWI is boosting its generation capacity with the addition of 20 megawatts (MW) of clean power to its grid.
The Golomoti solar project has been launched in the central district of Dedza.
Golomoti is to become operational in the latter half of 2021.
InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and its project partner, JCM Power, are undertaking the project.
The United Kingdom has also pledged support to Malawi’s energy diversification drive by providing, through Innovate UK, a £2,1 million grant to provide batteries.
David Beer, the British High Commissioner to Malawi, said Malawi urgently needed to develop a more diverse energy supply.
“This project is a clear marker that renewable technologies are the best route for the country, and shows what commercial and political creativity can achieve,” the envoy said.
Malawi has an electrification rate of just 18 percent, with only 11 percent connected to the grid.
Frequent power outages affect economic productivity.
Malawi’s energy sector is currently reliant upon hydro power.
However, rainfall fluctuations have severely impacted electricity generation in recent years.
Justin Woodward, the JCM Power’s Co-Founder and Head of Africa, said during what has been an unprecedented year, the Golomoti project marked a renewed commitment from all stakeholders that Malawi was an attractive destination for foreign investment.
“With the addition of batteries, the project will provide the foundation for Malawi to continue to be a regional leader in the renewable energy industry” Woodward said.
Malawi has recognised energy as a key driver of economic growth in its Growth and Development Strategy (2017-2022).
The government of President Lazarus Chakwera is establishing regulatory frameworks to attract private sector investment to the energy sector.
– CAJ News