Quantel and ESCOM sign deal to connect 50MW Mzimba solar plant to grid
- $50m Bwengu project could ease blackouts, but developer warns of delays in paperwork
Quantel Renewable Energy Limited and the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) have signed a Transmission Connection Agreement for a 50-megawatt solar plant at Bwengu in Mzimba District.
The $50 million project would add 50MW to the national grid and is expected to help reduce blackouts.
The agreement is a key requirement before construction can begin.
Quantel already holds a Power Purchase Agreement for the project.
ESCOM chief executive Engineer William Kaipa praised Quantel for its persistence through a lengthy process.
He said the government wants to increase generation capacity to support development, particularly in mining, which needs reliable power.
More electricity, he said, would support industry, stimulate investment and strengthen exports, which could help ease foreign exchange shortages.
Quantel managing director Jane Alinuswe Kaponda called the signing a major milestone for the company and the energy sector.
She said the project would help diversify Malawi’s generation mix and support manufacturing, agriculture and other industries, while attracting private investment.
She also raised concern over administrative and documentation delays on energy projects, which she said slow down investments and the benefits to Malawians.
She called on government institutions, regulators and other stakeholders to work together so committed investors can proceed without unnecessary delay.
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