By Burnett Munthali
On Monday, 25 November, Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola announced that the newly launched Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project would replace the diesel generators previously hired from Aggreko at a staggering cost of $78 million per month. The announcement was made during the project’s launch in Lilongwe, where Matola addressed President Lazarus Chakwera and other stakeholders.
Matola criticized Aggreko’s operations in Malawi, describing the company as having exploited the nation. “Aggreko was milking Malawi,” he said, emphasizing the financial strain the contract had placed on the government. He further revealed that after the contract with Malawi was canceled, Aggreko had ceased its operations, stating that “the firm has now gone into extinction.”
According to Matola, Aggreko’s primary source of business had been its contract with Malawi, which underscored the need for sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions like the BESS Project.
The BESS Project, implemented by the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) with support from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), is expected to provide a reliable and efficient alternative to the diesel generators. It will capture and store excess energy during low-demand periods for use during peak hours, significantly reducing the nation’s reliance on costly and environmentally harmful energy sources.
The project’s launch marked a pivotal moment in Malawi’s transition towards sustainable energy, aligning with global efforts to adopt cleaner and more affordable energy technologies. Matola commended President Chakwera’s leadership in driving this transition, which promises to alleviate the country’s energy challenges while reducing expenditure.
With the BESS Project now operational, Malawi takes a critical step toward energy independence and financial sustainability, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
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