By Witness Banda:

Independent power producer Quontel Renewable Energy Limited has rolled out a solar project at Bwengu in Mzimba District which, once completed, will add 50 megawatts (mw) to the national power grid.

The project, valued at $65 million (about K55.5 billion), is expected to be concluded between nine and 12 months from now.

But the plant will get into commercial operation in 2024.

Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Quontel Renewable Energy Limited Chief Executive Officer Patridge Shycal appealed to the government for collaboration to expedite the work.

Shycal said despite government delays in issuing electricity transmission and connection permits, the firm is upbeat on completing the project by 2024.

He said the firm has been in talks with all stakeholders including the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi at various levels.

“So far, negotiations are at an advanced stage and we have collaborated a number of times and, soon, we are finishing the agreement so that we have clean energy” Shycal said.

Director of Energy in the Ministry of Energy Joseph Kalowekamo said the government opened up to private sector participation to invest in the country’s power grid to help in addressing energy woes that have for long hindered economic growth prospects.

Kalowekamo said the amendment of the Electricity Act in 2004 and 2016, respectively, has enabled the private sector to participate in the industry.

He said, this far, the government has signed agreements with about 80 potential power investors.

“Since the amendment of this electricity act, we have seen a number of independent power producers expressing interest in investing in the power industry.

“We are pleased today that a few are on the ground, which includes the one we have launched here,” Kalowekamo said.

In 2019, Quontel Renewable Energy Limited in partnership with Vidullanka of Sri-lanka and Frontier Energy of Denmark signed a power purchase agreement with the government.

As at mid last year, Malawi’s electricity demand was projected at about 800mw compared to installed generation capacity of 441.95mw.

Hydropower remains the main source of electricity, generating close to 90 percent of the power.

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