Energy Minister wants results, not excuses

Malawi: Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola has emphasised the importance of Power Market Limited collaborating with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who are ready and willing to work and invest in the energy sector to ensure that the country has enough energy.

He made the remarks in Lilongwe on Thursday, September 8, 2022, when he officially launched the Malawi Power Industry Compendium, which provides a power guide for investors looking to enter the energy sector.

Matola stated that the government needs results, not excuses, as its goal is to grow the country's energy sector to 1000 megawatts by 2025, and that the successful implementation of the projects in the compendium will help the Tonse-led Administration achieve its goal of energy self-sufficiency for sustainable development.

"Despite the fact that Power Market Limited has engaged various Independent Power Producers (IPP) in order to add 21 megawatts to the National grid from Selengeti Solar Power in Nkhotakota, there is a need to let go of those who are not delivering and proceed with those who are willing to invest in the energy sector," he said.

He also stated that while some IPPs were permitted to invest in the sector in 2019, they have yet to begin their investments, which is impeding the government's goal of growing the country's energy sector.

"It makes no sense to keep such agreements at the expense of a country that desperately needs electricity,” he stated.

Power Market Limited (PML) Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mkandawire stated that the company is committed to investing in the energy sector in order to attract more investors to help build the country's economy.

"It is critical that the rest of the world understands that Malawi has a lot of resources that can be used to generate power and that we are open for business and welcome our investors,” she said.

Since then, the minister has assured citizens that the government will continue to play its role in removing barriers to investment by independent power producers.

Aside from the Compendium of Power Projects, the ministry has also reviewed the IPPs framework to ensure that it is in line with recent developments and that energy generation projects are implemented as soon as possible.