What is Malawi energy sector support project?

Project Description The project described in this document is the proposed Malawi Energy Sector Support project. The objective of the proposed project is to increase the reliability and quality of electricity supply in the major load centres in Malawi.

Does Malawi have a large scale energy system?

Malawi has a limited number of trained personnel for development, implementation, operation and maintenance of large scale energy systems. Large scale energy projects are usually contracted to external companies. The situation is complex in the delivery of renewable energy technologies which are relatively new.

How does Malawi use its energy?

Malawi gets over its total energy from oil, which is fossil fuel. We depend on this fuel to run our vehicles, generators, power industry and manufacturing, and provide us with electricity in the absence if hydro power. Petrol and diesel powers many of our municipal transportation fleets and the trucks that deliver goods to markets.

Where in Malawi can a 100 MW power plant be built?

The feasibility studies will include two sites with potential capacity of over 100MW on the major rivers in Malawi, namely Lower Fufu on the North Rukuru river and Mpatamanga on the Shire river, as well as one smaller site situated at Chimgonda on the Dwambazi River.

How has Malawi reformed its energy sector?

Recently, Malawi's energy sector has undergone significant reforms, including the unbundling of the national utility, the Electricity Supply Company of Malawi (ESCOM), and the establishment of the Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO).

What is happening in Malawi's power market?

There is strong investor interest and political will for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to enter Malawi's power market. Moving forward, there is high potential for solar and new hydro technologies to enter the market. The restructuring of Malawi’s power market is underway.