Golomoti, Malawi: Sub-Saharan Africa's first utility-scale solar PV and battery storage project

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£10,519,585

April 30, 2020

Dec. 31, 2021

JCM Power and RINA will pilot the first application of a utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) solution into 'Golomoti' -- an existing 20MW solar PV project being developed by JCM Power in Malawi since 2017. The team will assess the feasibility and integration of state-of-the-art lithium ion battery technology into Golomoti. The project will be the first utility-scale solar PV and BESS project in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the inclusion of an innovative BESS solution, Golomoti's potential installed capacity would increase to 28MW and represent approximately a 6% increase in Malawi's total installed capacity. The project's innovation lies in the testing of the first utility-scale BESS solution in the region.

As a Least Developed Country (LDC) -- more than 50% of Malawi's population live below the poverty line and 25% live in extreme poverty. Malawi has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, where only 11.9% of the population have access to electricity. The team will address the 'energy trilemma' by bringing 1) affordable and reliable energy to Malawi's population and support the Government of Malawi in achieving its national energy goals, and 2) piloting the first utility-scale solar PV and BESS solution in the region that neighbouring countries can replicate.

Traditional on-grid solar PV technology in Sub-Saharan Africa is proven, but the application of BESS at the utility level is not yet proven. Golomoti, with the integration of a BESS solution, will improve the amount, quality and reliability of the energy output to the national grid. Currently, Golomoti has the support from the Government of Malawi and Electricity Supply Commission of Malawi (state utility), but further analysis is needed to assess, acquire and integrate a suitable BESS solution.

Public funding is being sought to mitigate the risk of supporting the analysis, acquisition and integration of BESS technology which is currently not proven in Malawi. Public funding will support the project's viability and ensure a risk-return profile acceptable to private investors to unlock financing not only for Golomoti, but also for Malawi's power sector.