Power Grid

Malawi has continued to expand its renewable energy generation capacity through the development and commissioning of utility-scale solar PV projects, particularly in Salima, Dedza and Nkhotakota. Key projects include the 60 MW Salima Solar PV plant in Salima, the 20 MW Golomoti Solar PV plant with a 5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Dedza, and the 21 MW Serengeti Solar PV plant in Nkhotakota. These projects are helping Malawi reduce its heavy reliance on hydropower, which is vulnerable to drought and fluctuations in water levels.

The commissioning of these large-scale solar PV plants has increased electricity generation, particularly during daylight hours, while helping to reduce pressure on Malawi’s existing power-generation system. The development of solar projects in Salima, Dedza and Nkhotakota also supports the government’s efforts to improve electricity reliability, reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based generation and strengthen the country’s overall energy security.

From an investment perspective, operational solar PV projects in these locations could provide opportunities for financial institutions and infrastructure investors, particularly where projects have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and predictable revenues.

These assets may also be suitable for refinancing, capacity expansion or the integration of additional battery energy storage systems (BESS), building on the experience of the Golomoti project.

Overall, the expansion of utility-scale solar PV projects in Salima, Dedza and Nkhotakota represents an important step in strengthening Malawi’s electricity sector and increasing the share of clean energy in the generation mix.

As the market develops, further opportunities are likely to emerge in larger solar projects, grid infrastructure upgrades, diversified power-offtake arrangements and innovative financing structures for renewable-energy investments.