Malawi Launches Utility-Scale Solar Battery Storage

Malawi has commissioned its first utility-scale battery energy storage system, becoming the only Southern African country outside South Africa and Namibia to operate a facility of its kind.

The 20-megawatt battery storage system was officially switched on over the weekend by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM). The facility is designed to strengthen the national electricity grid by storing excess solar energy and supplying power when generation falls, helping to improve the reliability of electricity across the country.

The project forms part of Malawi’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on hydropower, which currently provides about two-thirds of the country’s electricity. Hydropower generation has faced repeated disruptions from extreme weather events, including Cyclone Freddy, which damaged key infrastructure three years ago. Officials have also warned that an expected El Niño weather pattern could lower water levels in the Shire River, Malawi’s main source of hydropower.

Energy Minister Jean Mathanga said the battery storage system would improve the stability of electricity supply for hospitals, schools, businesses and households while supporting the country’s long-term energy expansion plans.

Malawi has an installed electricity generation capacity of about 580 megawatts, with solar power contributing around 100 megawatts. About one-quarter of the population currently has access to electricity, but the government aims to increase national access to 70% by 2030. ESCOM said the new facility could help connect an additional 600,000 households to the grid and reduce average power outages from about four hours to less than two hours. Three additional battery storage projects are also planned.

SOURCE: Reuters