Government keen on exploring sustainable energy options

Chief economic adviser to the President Collins Magalasi has said government is ready to work with companies and individuals running projects that seek to explore sustainable energy options to supplement Escom’s power.

He said this last Thursday in Lilongwe at a one-day symposium organised by Agricen, a project that seeks to explore investments in agro-industries in Africa.

Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) generates 351 megawatts (MW) of power against suppressed demand of 350MW.

Magalasi said government’s doors are open to researchers to conduct scientific inquiry that will enable investors to make informed decisions on various investment options for clean energy generation in agro-industries.

“We are aware of various clean energy generation projects that are taking place in some agro-industries in the country; hence, we would like more of such projects in the country,” he said.

Agricen team leader Yacob Mulugetta said the project’s research will help to curb challenges related to agro-economic practices and lack of utilisation of modern inputs and implements.

“The aim of the research is for agro-industry companies such as Press Agriculture Limited and tea estates to be able to supply electricity in their respective locations,” he said.

Recently, government said the country will have additional 100MW of electricity through solar power.