Malawi asked to explore regional power resources- Emma Makhumula

The Power Institute for Eastern and Southern Africa (PIESA) says Malawi can solve its power generation problems by exploring power pools in the southern and eastern African region. Speaking in an interview after the opening of the 2011 PIESA Africa workshop currently underway in Lilongwe, chair for the grouping Paul Johnson said countries in the region should not isolate themselves and should instead tap from extra energy resources from other countries. “Malawi is part of the Southern African power pool but what doesn’t exist is the interconnection. Malawi is also close to the East African power pool and can connect to that one as well but that is yet to be done,” Johnson said. The Electricity Support Corporation of Malawi (Escom) generates about 287 megawatts of electricity against a national demand of 300 megawatts. Johnson said it had become necessary  for African power suppliers to explore renewable energy options such as wind and solar to generate power instead of relying on diesel generators, which were becoming expensive. He said Tanzania had offered to pilot the project which would be replicated across the region. Escom acting chief executive officer Arthur Mandambwe confirmed that Malawi was not benefitting from the Southern African Power Pool because discussions were still underway with Mozambique to renew the understanding which flopped after Malawi government realized it would be too expensive. “We have drawn up a new Memorandum of Understanding on energy and cooperation with Mozambique. The agreement is being revisited and we will have more information soon,” he said. On the East African Power Pool, Mandambwe disclosed that there was a joint project between Malawi and Tanzania currently at feasibility study level to explore the possibility of generating 300 megawatts from dams erected along Songwe River, which would benefit both countries. Mandambwe said unlike the Mozambique interconnection deal, the one with Tanzania will be automatic but still expensive since it would be for multipurpose use. He also disclosed that government was considering interconnection option with Zambia on the Mchinji side which could supply Lilongwe and surrounding Central Region areas. Board Chairperson of the Escom Kayisi Sadala said lack of investment in power generation equipment coupled with a growing population and high economic growth has put Escom in a difficult situation. He said however, through a US$55 million investment in construction of Kapichira II, pressure would be alleviated on electricity demand when the station adds 64 megawatts of generation capacity to the grid. The PIESA EIRE workshop is a biennial event during which various topics in energy generation and distribution are discussed by experts from across the East and Southern African region. Among the issues being discussed during the workshop currently underway are distribution technology, asset management and smart grid technology among others.

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