* The works involve repairing a damaged spillway gate and installing new fine trash screens at the power station’s intake
* This has forced EGENCO to lower the dam at its Nkula Power Station intake to allow for a safe working environment for its divers, welders and engineers
By Duncan Mlanjira
The ongoing load shedding being carried out by Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) is due to loss of loss of 135 megawatt (MW) of power from both Nkula A and Nkula B power plants, which is not available on national grid as Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) is carrying out maintenance works.
Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola visited the power plants today and posted on his Facebook page announcing that EGENCO is carrying out maintenance works at Nkula Power Station as part of preparation for the rainy season.
“The works involve repairing a damaged spillway gate and installing new fine trash screens at the power station’s intake,” he wrote. “This has forced EGENCO to lower the dam at its Nkula Power Station intake to allow for a safe working environment for its divers, welders, and engineers.
He also disclosed that power generation at Tedzani and Kapichira Power Stations “is also being affected due to the reduced water discharge”.
“The maintenance is scheduled to run from 5am to 5pm today, and my reason for the visit was to cheer the engineers up and make sure everything is in order so that the work is completed on time.”
Meanwhile, on November 4, Minister Matola reported that he had the privilege to speak at the Africa Energy Expo-Leadership Summit in Kigali, Rwanda where he discussed the significant energy infrastructure gaps across Africa, particularly in rural areas due to underinvestment and aging systems.
“Low electricity access, like in Malawi with only 25.9% access, and insufficient generation capacity are major concerns,” Matola reported on his Facebook page. “To bridge these gaps, I emphasised the need for increased investment in transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure, enabled by conducive policies and regulations to attract private sector participation.
“I highlighted how renewable energy sources can diversify the energy mix, enhance resilience, and promote sustainability in meeting Africa’s growing energy demands.
“Successful case studies in Malawi, such as the Ndawala initiative and Malawi Electricity Access Project, showcase how off-grid solar solutions and targeted subsidies can extend last-mile electrification.
Advertisement
“To foster robust public-private partnerships, I recommended governments establish clear regulations, provide incentives, and create conducive environments.
“Regulatory reforms, including stable policies, simplified licensing, and risk mitigation mechanisms, are crucial to attract long-term investments in Africa’s electrification goals.
“By addressing these key areas, we can accelerate progress towards universal energy access across the continent,” Matola reported.
Advertisement