November 29, 2024, Malawi - A global consortium focused on cleaner energy transitions has commenced construction of a 20-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is investing $20 million in the project, which is set to be operational by 2025, with the Malawian government matching the funding.
Supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund, this initiative marks the first BESS in Africa, aimed at enhancing the reliability of clean energy in Malawi, where hydropower currently constitutes 70% of electricity generation but is increasingly unreliable due to climate change.
The BESS will reduce dependency on expensive diesel generators, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 10,000 tonnes annually, while facilitating the integration of at least 100 MW of variable renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, into the grid.
Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera expressed gratitude for GEAPP's commitment, stating, "It has taken no small measure of courage for GEAPP to put $20 million on the line towards this groundbreaking project."
GEAPP emphasizes that the BESS project is a significant step for Malawi, showcasing the potential for renewable electricity integration and serving as a model for similar initiatives in low- and middle-income countries.
Joseph Nganga, GEAPP's vice president for Africa, highlighted the project's role in enhancing grid stability and resilience, underlining the collaborative effort to advance energy access and reduce emissions.