The Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi (MCA-M) on Tuesday signed a contract worth $7.5 million (about K4.2 billion) with a French firm, Alstom Grid, to design, install and commission the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (Scada) system at the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom).
The contract, which will be implemented in 32 months, is expected to boost Malawi’s transmission network system currently facing serious challenges.
The contract is part of $350 million five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) energy compact’s Infrastructure Development Project (IDP).
Speaking during the official signing ceremony in Lilongwe, MCA-M chief executive officer Susan Banda said the Scada system will bring in real-time remote monitoring, planning and optimisation of Escom’s transmission systems spread nationwide.
“This system will ensure that Escom has a reliable and cost efficient operation of the power system,” she said.
Banda said under the contract, Alstom will establish a new Scada system at Escom’s existing National Control Centre (NCC) at Chichiri in Blantyre.
In addition, she said Alstom will also extend and upgrade the existing telecommunication system for operation of Escom power system and also provide control centre facilities at the sole power supplier.
Banda said MCA-Malawi is proud to be associated with Alstom Grid in the rehabilitation and expansion of Malawi’s transmission network system.
On his part, Alstom commercial manager Benoit Pradairol said the company is pleased to be engaged by MCA-M as part of the solution to energy woes facing the country as manifested by persistent power outages.
Alstom boasts of 125 years experience and is regarded as one of the global leaders in power generation, transmission and rail infrastructure.
The company, which employs 88 000 people worldwide in 100 countries, ranks among the top three in the electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of 3.8 billion euros.
