Malawi has a number of solar power plants
JCM Solar-Nanjoka, Salima
JCM Matswani Solar Corporation, an Independent Power Producer constructed grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant in Salima. The power plant is located in the area of Traditional Authority Kalonga on a 168Hactres of land and the plant has a capacity of 60MW. A new 132Kv transmission line was constructed to evacuate the power to Nanjoka substation. The IPP also upgraded Nanjoka substation to make it suitable for receiving the solar power. The power plant was commissioned in 2021
JCM Solar-Golomoti
The Golomoti plant is Malawi’s second solar independent power producer (IPP), following JCM’s Salima Solar project. The plant officially entered commercial operation in March 2022, With a generation capacity of 20 megawatts, the facility incorporates advanced technology, including bifacial solar photovoltaic panels mounted on single-axis trackers and supported by lithium-ion LFP battery storage. What truly sets it apart, however, is its role as the first utility-scale, grid-connected battery energy storage system in sub-Saharan Africa with a 5MW/10MWh capacity.
This landmark project was made possible through a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed between JCM and the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM). It also received critical backing from the Malawian government, with the necessary permits, land agreements, and an Implementation Agreement jointly signed by both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy.Beyond its immediate benefits, the Golomoti Solar Plant lays the groundwork for future expansion of both solar generation and energy storage capacity, providing a model for sustainable energy development across the continent.
Serengeti Solar-NkhotaKota
In the heart of Malawi’s Nkhotakota District, the Serengeti Solar PV Plant stands as a symbol of progress and sustainability. Developed by Serengeti Energy, a company backed by leading European Development Finance Institutions such as KfW, NDF, Norfund, Stoa, Swedfund, and Proparco, the project showcases the power of international collaboration in the renewable energy sector.
Spanning across a sun-drenched landscape, the plant features more than 59,000 solar photovoltaic panels mounted on single-axis trackers, optimizing energy capture throughout the day. These panels are linked to 132 string inverters and supported by four state-of-the-art Medium Voltage Smart Transformer Stations, ensuring efficient power conversion and grid stability.
With a generation capacity of 21 megawatts, the facility connects seamlessly to the Malawi national electricity grid via a 66kV substation. Officially commissioned for commercial operation in 2023, the Serengeti Solar Plant plays a key role in strengthening the country’s energy mix and advancing its commitment to clean, renewable energy.
The Salima EGENCO Solar Project
The Malawi Government through the Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) has set in motion an ambitious solar energy project that will not only harness the power of the sun but also signal a new era of sustainable power generation in Malawi.
The project as it is officially known, is designed to unfold in three strategic phases, with a total capacity of 50 Megawatts (MW) upon completion.
Construction works for the first phase of 10MW is in progress and is set to be completed by December 2025. Construction of Phase two of 10 MW will commence after completion of the first Phase. The third and final phase is the most ambitious, adding 30MW to the grid and bringing the project’s total output to its full 50MW capacity. Once complete.
