The Electricity Generation Company (Egenco) has revealed that it has completed 99 percent of works on its newly mounted hydroelectricity power plant, Tedzani 4, in Blantyre.
The power plant which is expected to be fully commissioned in May will add 18 megawatts (MW) to the national grid.
This will bring the company’s total electricity production capacity to 441.55mw.
Speaking in an interview, the company’s spokesperson Moses Gwaza said the plant has now started releasing power into the national grid on testing basis.
He added that completion of the power station will not only add more power to the national grid but also boost the company’s business.
“According to Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) the whole Northern Region consumes 19 megawatts during off peak so if we are adding 18 megawatts it means that we are adding enough power which will make a huge difference,” Gwaza said.
Community Energy Malawi (CEM) Country Director Edgar Bayani lauded the company saying the move will go a long way to spur economic growth and preserve the climate.
“When we talk of climate change, we want to reduce carbon emissions and therefore use of diesel generators and coal fired plants frustrate the fight against climate change, on the other hand hydro energy is a renewable and can help in the fight against climate change,” Bayani said.
A recent study by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) revealed that power outages were the second biggest challenge that businesses faced in 2020.
Source: The Daily Times_April 27, 2021- By Justin Mkweu