No more blackouts at Parliament since the National Assembly as Ministry of Energy has partnered International Solar Alliance (ISA) to install a 25- Kilowatt peak (kwp) state-of- the-art Solar Power plant at Parliament Building in Lilongwe.

The multi-purpose solar plant has solar panels as a roof and a car park it has been provided with a $50 thousand grant from ISA.

Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, on Tuesday during the commissioning of the plant at Parliament, said government recognizes the importance of solar energy as key technology for Malawi energy sector development.

“Solar is a good energy source and it is priority in the Energy Policy of 2018 and the Malawi 2063 vision,” said Matola.

He added that it is important to recognize the solar energy it necessary for the achievement of socio-economic development which is the ambition of President Lazarus Chakwera.

Solarization of Parliament is very unique as deliberation in parliament used to be disrupted in the past years when there were power outages and blackouts resulting to curtail as well as adjournment of parliament,” Matola said.

Matola commended the ISA for its unwavering support in many areas including the just installed solar project.

Funny Sibande Parliament Chief Administrative Officer, expressed excitement over solar plant saying the power will enhance deliberations in the chamber.

She also added that the solar power means there will no longer be curtail of debates because of power outages.

The infrastructure will be safeguarded as measures will be put in place to make-sure it is not vandalized.

Jaspal Singh India based ISA representative said the plant is the first phase as they wanted to see if people will have confidence.

He said second will commence soon with an enhanced capacity of 105kwp plant.

The plant has potential to save 44 megawatts of electricity annually  and avoid the emission of 33 tons of carbon gasses annually.

Source:Nyasatimes