Malawi Power Project Could More than Triple Installed Power Base

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Malawi's Ministry of Energy has confirmed plans to build a coal-fired power plant in the Kammwamba area in Zalewa, which in its first phase will add 300 megawatts (MW) to the grid supply. The power plant will have the potential to increase installed generation capacity to 1,000 MW.

Malawi is one of the world's poorest countries, with an annual per capita income of less than $1,000 for a population of about 16 million and a population density of 130 per square kilometer. It has an installed power generation capacity of about 300 MW, which is 98% hydropower, and a large, unquantified number of privately owned generator packs.

The site on the Zalewa road has been chosen to take advantage of the adjacent railway line, which will facilitate the delivery of the coal feed to the power station. The intention is to use coal from the Moatze coalfield in Mozambique.

Preparations for the construction of the plant are at an advanced stage, and a feasibility study already has been completed. The government is negotiating for funds for the project from China's Export-Import Bank. The first phase of the project will require an investment of $600 million.

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) will pay a tariff for power produced by the project.

Phase I of the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2015. The 300-MW, $600 million Phase II is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019, and the 400-MW, $700 million Phase III is planned for completion by the end of 2022.

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