Solar power project excites Vice-President

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has expressed satisfaction with progress of construction works of Serengeti Solar Electricity Plant in Nkhotakota District.

Speaking on Friday when he toured the project, he observed that construction of the 21 megawatts Serengeti Nkhotakota Solar Power Plant is in line with the aspirations, pillars and enablers of the country’s development Agenda (MW2063) of creating an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation.

Chilima said for Malawi’s aspirations to be achieved, there is need for sufficient energy.

“On behalf of the President, I am thrilled and delighted to learn that the project is at an advanced stage,” he said.

Head of Mission for the German Embassy, Sabine Lindeman, said the Malawi-Germany partnership identified the promotion of sustainable and sufficient supply of electricity as a major enabler for economic growth.

“If households are supplied with adequate electricity each day, consumption of firewood and charcoal would be reduced; hence, achieving healthier natural environments and communities,” she said.

Lindeman said the project is part of the Malawi Government’s plan to move the country away from its reliance on hydropower, which represents over 90 per cent of its energy mix.

She said hydropower has kept the country vulnerable to frequent power cuts during drought.

“That is why the German Government has contributed $74 million (about K6 billion) to sponsor this solar project and also many other renewable energy projects in the region,” said Lindeman.

Serengeti Nkhotakota Solar Power Project development director Wilfred van den Bos said the project, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2022, will install 60 000 solar panels on 60 000 hectares.

“This will make a significant addition to the electricity supply in Malawi as it will produce power which is sufficient to supply 400 000 people with electricity,” he said.