Alick Nzangaya
The British government has expressed commitment to helping the Malawi government attain it’s vision on sustainable energy generation and rural areas electrification.
This is according to Ms. Fiona Ritchie, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission who was speaking in Salima on Tuesday November 16 during the inauguration ceremony of the JCM Solar Power Plant which was graced by the Malawi leader, Lazarus Chakwera.
She said launching of the facility is a major milestone towards increasing generation capacity and diversifying from over reliance on hydro power generation to solar energy which she said is simple considering Malawi’s abundant sunshine for source of energy.
Ritchie said the UK has noted that accessing reliable and sustainable energy still remain a challenge in Malawi and said this has the possibility of delaying several developmental activities, hence the UK’s commitment so as to achieve government’s 2063 blueprint.
“I Am honored to join you today for this historical launch of JCM Solar Power facility in here in Salima. The UK is delighted to supporting the government strive to increase sustainable energy generation in Malawi.
“The UK is committed to continue playing its role in facilitating and supporting this and similar projects in order to increase electricity generation in Malawi. The UK also commits to being an investment partner for Malawi in such sustainable projects,” said Ritchie.
She further added that the UK is looking forward to finalization of Golomoti solar power project which is under construction and is expected to add further 20 megawatts to the national grid.
Ritchie further articulated that Malawi has the potential to attract much more inward investment especially by UK companies in renewable energy sector claiming the inauguration preaches Malawi’s seriousness on solar energy.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the government’s commitment to finalizing JCM’s independent power producer arrangements. This sent a strong signal to other potential investors that Malawi is serious in attracting new private investment,” she added.
JCM Solar Power Plant in Salima which has 228 000 solar panels on 168 hectors, has been jointly financed by the British Government through InfraCo Africa and is expected to add 60 megawatts to the national power grid.
