Govt Backs ESCOM’s BESS Project, Cautions on Deadline
The Minister of Natural Resources, Energy, and Mining Jean Mathanga today affirmed the government’s full support for the groundbreaking Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Lilongwe, hailing it as a “game-changer” for national grid stability.
The Minister’s remarks came during a familiarisation tour of the project site at Kanengo in Lilongwe on Monday, where she underscored the vital role BESS will play in improving Malawi’s electricity supply and ensuring energy security.
The 20 MW BESS facility is a critical component of the country’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure.
The Minister highlighted the core benefit, stating the project will provide the essential service of frequency control and grid support to maintain a reliable power flow.
”As government, we will make sure that the project materializes,” the Minister stated. “Let’s keep timelines and commissioning dates unchanged: February 2026.”
In his remarks, ESCOM’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Engineer Sinosi Maliano was upbeat on the deadline of February 2026, further describing the project as game changer.
“This is a game changer project in as far as grid stability is concerned. What will be here is Malawi’s first utility-scale battery storage system, setting a new precedent for energy solutions in the country,” Maliano said.
The successful and timely commissioning of this project is expected to significantly reduce loadshedding. The BESS technology, described as a ‘power bank’ for the nation’s grid, is poised to be an essential tool in Malawi’s journey toward a sustainable and reliable energy future.