Salima solar plant starts feeding national grid

Malawi’s power supply is set for a boost as a new project promises to add more electricity to the national grid.

Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) has commissioned a 10-megawatt solar power plant in Salima, adding new generation capacity to Malawi’s national electricity grid amid efforts to improve power supply.

Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga switched on the Salima Solar Power Plant at Nanjoka in Salima on Monday, marking the start of electricity flowing from the facility into the national grid.

The first phase of the project cost EGENCO US$12 million and has a generation capacity of 10 megawatts.

Speaking at the commissioning, Mathanga said government is open to more companies investing in solar power generation to increase electricity supply and reduce power challenges in the country.

She said government is also pursuing other power projects, including the Mpatamanga hydroelectric project, which is expected to generate at least 358 megawatts.

Officials commissioning the plant

Mathanga said Malawi will also purchase 50 megawatts of electricity from Mozambique through the Southern African Power Pool as part of efforts to strengthen power supply.

EGENCO chief executive officer William Liabunya said the company is preparing for the second phase of the Salima project, which will add 40 megawatts to the national grid.

The expansion will bring the plant’s total planned capacity to 50 megawatts.

Liabunya said EGENCO is also assessing potential sites for hydroelectric power projects in other parts of the country to reduce reliance on the Shire River.

The solar plant will be supported by a 3.5-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Liabunya said.

He said manufacturing of the battery is already underway, with installation expected shortly. The system will help manage fluctuations in solar generation and improve the stability and reliability of electricity supplied to the national grid.

Liabunya said delivery of the battery equipment was delayed by payment-related challenges, but the equipment is now being shipped.

He commended the Ministry of Finance, commercial banks and the Reserve Bank of Malawi for supporting EGENCO during implementation of the project.

According to Liabunya, the support enabled EGENCO to meet its financial obligations, leaving no outstanding payments to the contractor.

The Salima project forms part of Malawi’s broader efforts to expand renewable energy generation while advancing hydroelectric and regional power-supply projects to strengthen the national grid.