Minister urges innovative energy solutions
Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno says there is need for long-lasting innovative solutions that transcends traditional boundaries by aiming not only to provide power, but also empower communities.
She said this on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the launch of the Energy Delivery Laboratory.
Chang’anamuno said as the driving force behind industrial growth, education, healthcare and economic empowerment, energy needs long-lasting solutions that foster sustainable progress.
“Access to energy stands as a pillar of societal development. This is not only about electrification, but also eradicating energy poverty and ensuring equitable access for all,” she siad.
Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) head Janet Banda, who is also Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, said the week-long energy sector lab brought together relevant decision-makers who share a collective commitment to advance energy landscape in Malawi.
“This week’s assembly serves as an opportunity to assess the current project status, address challenges and chart a course towards a more robust and energy enabled future of the nation,” she said.
Secretary for Energy Alfonso Chikuni said the goal is to achieve 1 000 megawatts by 2025 and attain 50 percent electricity access by 2030.
But he said currently the goal is being hindered by procurement, coordination as well as capacity challenges.
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet country lead Collen Zalengela said their organisation is providing PDU with a grant of $1.5 million (about K2.5 billion) to support delivery of energy and agri-energy projects to deal with bottlenecks in energy projects.
