By Wezzie Gausi:
Representatives of JMC Power have indicated that construction of a solar farm in Salima which is expected to add 60 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid will be complete by April 2021.
This came out when Minister of Energy, Newton Kambala, visited the project site recently to appreciate the progress made.
It has transpired that the project missed its deadline early this year due to travel restrictions that deter engineers from installing solar panels and transformers under the project.
JCM Power Country Director, Phylip Leferink, said the company acquired 228,000 solar panels to be installed on the farm.
“Apart from solar panels we also have 34 big transformers that we intend to plant in various areas to support power from the farm. All we need is support for the project to be successful. So far the community around us has been so helpful and we have created about 300 jobs for the local community in our company,” Leferink said.
Kambala said the government is committed to see such projects implement to end electricity woes that have disadvantaged the economy for a long time.
“For our country to develop and end energy challenges we need to diversify energy sources. We are encouraging more investors to come and invest in the energy sector.
“As a government we are very much willing to show our support in any project that will help in power generation in the country,” Kambala said.
The country continues to grapple with energy challenges witnessed by continued power outages that affect the growth of the manufacturing industry let alone the economy.
The company is also expected to construct another solar farm at Golomoti in Dedza which will produce 20 MW to be added to the national grid.
Reports indicate that electricity demand in the country stands slightly above 450 MW but is expected to grow to over 1000 MW by 2030.
Source: The Daily Times_September 3, 2020