Chakwera attends groundbreaking ceremony for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at Kanengo Substation

By Burnett Munthali

On Monday, 25 November, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera arrived at the Kanengo Substation in Lilongwe to officially launch the groundbreaking ceremony for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The event marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve energy sustainability and enhance access to electricity for Malawians.

Upon arrival, the President was warmly welcomed by a host of senior government officials, including the Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, the Chairperson of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), Morgan Tembo, and Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba. Their presence underscored the importance of the project and the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s energy sector.

The BESS project is a collaborative effort between the Malawian government, ESCOM, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), which has provided financial support for the initiative. The project aims to strengthen Malawi’s energy infrastructure by introducing an advanced battery storage system, which will improve the reliability and sustainability of the national power grid.

In his remarks, President Chakwera emphasized the transformative potential of the BESS project, which is designed to enhance electricity access for Malawians, reduce power outages, and lower energy costs. He highlighted that the project is a crucial step towards realizing the government’s vision of providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to all Malawians, especially in rural areas.

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that will help stabilize our power grid, reduce the costs of providing electricity, and ensure that all Malawians have access to reliable energy,” said President Chakwera. “The BESS project is a testament to our commitment to building a more sustainable future for our country and creating opportunities for economic growth.”

The BESS project will involve the installation of a state-of-the-art energy storage system capable of storing up to 20 megawatts of electricity. This will allow ESCOM to manage peak electricity demand more efficiently and ensure that power is available even during periods of high consumption or low generation. The project is also expected to play a vital role in reducing Malawi’s dependency on costly imported energy and in promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

Morgan Tembo, Chairperson of ESCOM, expressed his excitement about the project’s potential to improve electricity access across Malawi. He explained that the BESS system would act as a “power bank,” storing electricity during off-peak hours and distributing it during periods of high demand, thus ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply.

“The introduction of the BESS system will be a game-changer for Malawi’s energy sector,” Tembo said. “It will ensure that our people have access to electricity around the clock, which is crucial for both domestic and economic development.”

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) also lauded the project as a key step toward addressing energy challenges in Malawi and improving the livelihoods of citizens. GEAPP’s Vice President for Africa, Joseph Karanja Nganga, highlighted that the BESS system would contribute to the country’s renewable energy efforts, supporting national development goals in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic growth.

“This project is a powerful example of how partnerships between governments, corporations, and international organizations can drive sustainable change,” Nganga said. “By improving energy access, we are empowering communities, supporting local businesses, and helping to build a brighter future for Malawi.”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the BESS project at Kanengo Substation is a significant milestone in Malawi’s ongoing efforts to build a more resilient energy infrastructure and foster sustainable development. With the support of key partners such as ESCOM and GEAPP, the BESS initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Malawi’s energy sector and ensuring a more prosperous future for its citizens.

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