‘Renewable energy key to industrialisation’

 Renewable Energy Association of Malawi (Reama) vice-president Diliza Nyasulu says investments in renewable energy sources are key to achieving the country’s industrialisation enabler in line with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063), the country’s long-term development strategy.

He said this in Lilongwe last week during the unveiling of this year’s National Energy Annual Conference sponsors when Reama received K5 million from Sunny Money Solar Aid and another K4 million donation from Sun King for the conference which is currently underway in Salima District.

Nyasulu said for Malawi to achieve its industrialisation goals, there is need to have a sustainable energy sector that can offer various sources of renewable energy to support development.

He said: “The Malawi 2063 can only be attained if we have an energy sector that is sustainable and secured. You may recall that we had Cyclone Anna which affected the power sector which relies on Shire River. This brought the whole power sector down on its knees.

“We need diversification. That is why the theme of this year’s conference is ‘Energy diversification for sustainable development’”.

Solar Aid board chairperson Vincent Kumwenda said the anticipated outcomes of the conference and also their partnership with Reama compelled them to support the conference, whose results will create a conducive business environment for the sector.

He said: “Our vision is to support access to clean renewable energy in Malawi. But we cannot do this alone in the energy space.

“We also want to contribute toward the realisation of the second pillar of Malawi 2063 on industrialisation, and we cannot talk about developing without a sustainable energy sector.”

Sun King senior associate for brand activation, who also spoke for Inflow

 Limited, Collins Moyo said the conference will provide a platform for them to showcase their new products and services.

He said the conference will attract various stakeholders and delegates , there by providing an opportunity to create new partnerships in the energy sector.

Earlier, Reama president Soustain Chigalu said seeing how critical energy is to development, the importance of this sector cannot be overstated.

This year’s National Energy Annual Conference theme reflects on the need for renewable energy for sustainable development. n