Escom moves to stabilise supply, gets K21bn boost 

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (Geapp) has given Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) a $20.2 million (about K 21.05 billion) grant for the procurement, installation, and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (Bess).

This, according to the State utility provider, is in response to the integration of utility-scale Solar PV plants which have created stability problems of Escom power grid due to their variable nature, leading to frequent loss of power supply to the public due to system shutdowns.  

Escom spokesperson Kitty Chingota said in a write-up that the installation of Bess is, therefore, aimed at improving the stability and controllability of Escom power grid.

She said: “This will enable integration of more variable renewable energy sources into Malawi’s national grid and thereby improve reliability and accessibility of electricity.

“Once commissioned, the project is expected to reduce the frequency of outages caused by variable renewable energy, increase grid stability and enhance sectoral bankability by reducing revenue losses and deemed energy charges.”

Chingota further indicated that the project will strengthen Escom’s system and lead to integration of more solar power. 

Escom signed the grant agreement with Geapp on May 31 2023 and the preparatory activities for the project started on June 1 2023.

The project is expected to be completed in 12 months after take-off. 

Presently, Malawi is struggling to produce adequate power, with only 19 percent of the country’s 18 million people having access to electricity, according to the Malawi Sustainable Energy Investments Report.

Energy consultant Grain Malunga, a former minister for Energy and Natural Resources, said in an interview that as the country is facing power deficits, efforts to ease power shortages are crucial and welcome.

“Malawi is energy-hungry and the country is still far away from achieving our energy needs. We see and hope that such projects along with other long-term energy projects would bring efficient energy and reliable supply in the county,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy said the country needs about 618 megawatts (MW) to power industries and households without load- shedding.

The projected demand of 618MW is against the current Electricity Generation Company’s installed capacity of 539MW.