Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has secured a $20.2 million grant to establish an energy storage system.
Dubbed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the facility is expected to be planted at Kanengo substation.
In a statement, Escom says the funds would be provided by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
It will be used for procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and operationalisation of the system equipment.
“This is in response to the integration of utility-scale Solar PV plants which have created stability problems of Escom power grid due to its variable nature, leading to frequent loss of power supply to the public due to system shutdowns.
“The installation of the BESS is, therefore, aimed at improving the stability and controllability of Escom power grid, which will enable integration of more variable renewable energy sources into Malawi’s national grid, thereby improve reliability and accessibility of electricity,” the statement reads.
Escom Public Relations Officer Peter Kanjere said the utility firm signed the grant agreement with GEAPP on May 31 2023.
He said the project is for 12 months.
“Once commissioned, the project is expected to reduce the frequency of outages caused by variable renewable energy, increase grid stability and enhance sectoral bankability by reducing revenue losses and deemed energy charges. Furthermore, the project will strengthen the Escom system and lead to integration of more solar power,” Kanjere said.
The BESS is expected to have the capacity to hold 20 megawatts of power.
Source: The Daily Times_Friday, July 21,2023_by Chimwemwe Mangazi