Malawi: EGENCO Commissions 10MW Salima Solar Plant

Malawi’s Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) on Monday inaugurated the 10 MW Salima Solar Power Plant, the first phase of a planned 50 MW project aimed at diversifying electricity generation and improving the reliability of power supplies to support economic growth.

The first phase includes a 3.5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to help manage fluctuations in solar power generation and improve the stability and reliability of electricity supplied to the national grid.

EGENCO Chief Executive Officer William Liabunya said manufacturing of the battery system was already underway, with installation expected by the end of the year.

“The battery storage system will help manage fluctuations in power generation and improve the stability and reliability of electricity supplied to the national grid as Malawi continues to increase its uptake of renewable energy,” Liabunya said.

Liabunya also commended the Ministry of Finance, commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of Malawi for their support during the implementation of the project.

He said the support had enabled EGENCO to meet its financial obligations and that there were no outstanding payments to the contractor.

Land has been secured for the construction of the remaining 40 MW, while the process of procuring a company to conduct feasibility studies for the second phase is underway.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Energy Minister Jean Mathanga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s electricity generation capacity.

“We need to increase electricity generation capacity in this country,” Mathanga said.

The Salima Solar Power Plant forms part of the government’s efforts, through the Energy Ministry and state-owned power companies such as EGENCO, to expand and diversify Malawi’s electricity generation sources.