Renewable energy company, JIVO Energy, has outlined its role following the recent commissioning of Malawi's first grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS)
The 20MW/ 40MWh utility-scale BESS project is located at the Kanengo Substation in Lilongwe and was officially inaugurated recently by Dr. Jean Mathanga, Minister of Energy, alongside representatives from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) and other government officials.
The ceremony marked the start of commercial operations for Malawi's first utility-scale BESS, a project that is expected to strengthen grid reliability, enhance energy security and support the integration of renewable energy into Malawi's electricity network.
JIVO Energy served as the turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, delivering the project from engineering and procurement through construction, testing and commissioning.
“It is a proud moment that proves JIVO Energy’s capacity to execute complex, high-impact utility-scale energy projects to international standards using Tier-I equipment,” said Jorge Lascas, the company’s chief commercial officer speaking during the commissioning ceremony.
Lascas also recognised the contribution of the project team.
“JIVO Energy’s team dedication and hard work made this project possible. Their passion, resilience, and attention to detail have been remarkable. They met every engineering challenge head-on with unwavering commitment.”
The commissioning of the Kanengo BESS marks an important step in Malawi’s efforts to strengthen and modernise its electricity network.
It was supported by US$20mn in grant financing from the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, a nonprofit founded in 2021 by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund.
JIVO Energy has been engaged in renewable energy business in Africa and beyond since 2018 focused on project development, EPC, operations & maintenance, and investing in renewable energy projects.
The company has implemented projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Zambia.
It has constructed (or has under construction) more than 100MWp of solar PV and more than 60MWh of BESS, with another 200MWp+ of solar PV and 150MWh+ of BESS under development across 12 African countries.
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JIVO Energy hails Malawi BESS project teams
At the inauguration of Malawi’s BESS project (Image source: JIVO Energy)
