The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a grant to Malawi-based Mzuzu WF Limited (Muzuzu WF) for a feasibility study to establish a 50-megawatt wind energy generation facility and an accompanying battery energy storage system (“BESS”) in Malawi.
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According to a press release, the project will contribute reliable clean energy to stabilize the national energy grid, buffer Malawi against climate change impacts, and make energy more affordable for Malawi’s citizens.
The power plant, which uses U.S. technology, is the first utility-scale grid-connected battery energy storage system in sub-Saharan Africa, providing reliable, clean power to the people of Malawi.
The USTDA-funded study will support the development of the facility and BESS, which according to the organization’s Director Enoh T. Ebong will help stabilize the grid against climate-related shocks and reduce reliance on expensive diesel generators as a source of emergency power.
“Our partnership with Mzuzu WF serves as the latest example of USTDA’s commitment to sponsoring renewable energy projects in Africa, delivering clean, affordable energy to the citizens of Malawi.
“The facility represents one of the country’s first utility-scale wind farms and will generate opportunities for U.S. suppliers to provide high-tech clean energy solutions.” reads the press release
With Malawi’s energy demand projected to as much as triple by 2030, introducing new sources will be paramount to providing affordable access to electricity both today and in the future.
A subsidiary of renewable energy development company JCM Power Corporation, Mzuzu WF manages a solar power plant in the Golomoti region of Malawi that was developed using a USTDA-funded feasibility study grant.
CEO of JCM Power Corporation, Jon Bahen, said building on the successful development and execution of the Golomoti Solar PV project, JCM Power is excited to partner with USTDA again, to progress the development of impactful renewable energy projects in Malawi.
“The development of clean, sustainable and affordable renewable energy projects will remain a pillar for economic growth for Malawi, in line with vision 2063, and we believe that progressing the development of the Mzuzu wind energy project will result in significant positive impacts for the nation and the communities in the Mzimba district.
“We extend our gratitude to USTDA for their continued support and look forward to the success of another transformative project.”
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Malawi, Amy Diaz, reiterated that the American government has continually invested in enhancing energy infrastructure and access in Malawi because it recognizes the critical role that energy plays in driving economic growth and improving quality of life.
“These collaborations are not only helping to meet the immediate energy needs of Malawi but are also laying the groundwork for long-term energy security and environmental sustainability for communities across the country.
“The U.S. government is proud to support Malawi in its journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future, powered by clean and accessible energy. This grant demonstrates our continued commitment to energy investment and underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Malawi, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.”
