By Steven Godfrey Mkweteza

The country’s sole power purchaser and supplier, electricity supply corporation of Ma lawi (ESCOM) has today signed a solar power purchase agreement with Phanes energy renewable nkhotakota limited to supply 21 megawatts in the country.

Speaking during the media briefing, ESCOM chief executive officer (CEO) Allexon Chiwaya said the agreement will see Phanes supplying solar power for the next 25 years.

“This marks another milestone for the country as we are trying to unveil the roadmap to ensure Malawi gets energy mix and deal away with power outrages,” he said.

Chiwaya, who kept confidential on the total cost of the agreement, also disclosed that the power utility body would soon unveil purchasing agreements of gas, coal, wind, waste and interconnections of hydro-power from countries such as Mozambique and South Africa.

“The country is very conducive for energy power market under the power purchase agreements. To date, we have over 40 companies that have expressed interest to supply us with various power products such as coal, gas, wind, waste and hydro-power,” said Chiwaya.

According to the agreement, the solar power will be planted in Nkhotakota district.

Chiwaya said solar power generating panels would also be installed in salima while wind power plants have been earmarked in Mzimba district to minimize energy use in the country.

Asked on the public concerns about high tariffs, Chiwaya said the country is one of the countries in the region with the cheapest tariffs.

“People should look at the quality of the products and not just the tariffs. We actually look at how much capital invested before we come up with the tarrifs,” said Chiwaya.

In an interview, head of product development for the Phanes group Allessandro Ortu said his group was convinced with the business environment prevailing in the country, hence the investment.

Ortu said preparations for the project were set to kick-start later this year.

Phanes group is headquarted in Dubai and has some branches in Nigeria.