20 MW Solar+BESS Project From JCM Power, InfraCo Africa Is Malawi’s First BESS project

In a fresh development marking a milestone in the renewable energy development in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, JCM Power and InfraCo Africa have said that the Golomoti Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in the Dedza district in Malawi now stands commissioned.

The official announcement by both the players reveal that the solar and storage project which is of 20MW capacity is brought online has become the first grid-connected utility-scale co-located project in sub-Saharan Africa. JCM Power is an independent power producer (IPP) that delves in solar projects as well and InfraCo Africa is a reputed infrastructure investor. JCM holds that it’s a unique project which was completed in less than a year which itself is a milestone.

JCM Power added that the solar farm has the capacity of 28.5MWp and the lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) is of 50MW/10MWh. The supply of the BESS was done by RE major Sungrow. JCM said that the project will reduce the intermittency challenges attached with the solar power projects and also offer frequency response services to the national grid system.

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The ace innovation agency of the United Kingdom – ‘Innovate UK’ – has provided the financial support to the BESS part under the Energy Catalyst Programme.

JCM also informed that out of the 550 employment created in the development of the solar and storage project, about 85 per cent went to the local Malawian citizens. The company also saved the prestigious ancient baobab trees that were there.

Christian Wray, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, JCM Power, said, “In addition to developing and financing the project, JCM Power managed the execution of the works and, despite numerous challenges due to impacts from the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased with the speed of project execution, the positive economic benefits delivered to Malawi and all while keeping our employees and communities safe.”

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The JCM Power CEO also stated that Golomoti is a pioneering solar energy and energy storage project that will serve as a catalyst for many similar projects in the future.

This also marks the second renewable energy project of JCM Power in Malawi. Last year, the power producer announced commercial operation of the 60MW Salima Solar project which was the first utility scale solar power project of Malawi.