SMP Renewable Energy Forum
The Scotland Malawi Partnership Renewable Energy Forum held an engaging discussion on the opportunities, challenges and lessons emerging from Malawi’s first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), recently commissioned in Kanengo, Lilongwe.
The 20MW/40MWh facility represents a major milestone for Malawi’s energy sector, helping to stabilise the national grid, reduce reliance on costly diesel generation and support a more reliable electricity supply for millions of people.
Chaired by Professor Stuart Galloway of the University of Strathclyde, the Forum brought together SMP members and partners to reflect on the significance of this landmark project and consider what comes next for Malawi’s energy transition.
Dr Aran Eales, University of Strathclyde, shared updates on Equal Access Energy and the Scottish Government-funded EASE project, highlighting the importance of long-term partnerships, capacity building and knowledge exchange. He also reflected on ongoing collaboration with Community Energy Malawi and the wider sharing of learning through the African Mini-grid Programme.
Charles Dakalira of REIAMA spoke about the sector’s move from discussion to implementation, including renewable energy developments in Malawi and ambitions to scale the Salima solar project from 10MW towards 50MW.
The forum also heard from Cameron McAllister of Chipopoma Power, who shared the successes and practical challenges of providing reliable hydropower from Manchewe Falls, including maintaining infrastructure in a remote location.
Samuel Mambo highlighted the community impact of improved energy access, including how connections made through the forum helped secure three transformers and electricity for a health centre serving around 10,000 people.
Finally, Edgar Bayani of Community Energy Malawi reflected on work across five mini-grid sites, the challenges of scaling energy access and the potential for Malawi to build further on its battery storage innovation.
The discussions demonstrated the value of Scotland–Malawi collaboration in turning shared knowledge, relationships and expertise into practical action for communities.
Recorded Video
Missed the event? Find the recording with below timestamps
00:00 Welcome remarks, Nasim Vadalia - SMP
01:20 Opening remarks, Prof Stuart Galloway - University of Strathclyde
09:14 Presentation, Dr Aran Eales - Technical Director, Equal Access Energy
18:10 REIMA Updates, Charles Dakalira - Executive Director, REIAMA
30:50 Updates on Chipopoma Power, Cameron Mcallister - co-founder of Chipopoma Power
40:36 Updates on MEGA, Samuel Mambo - Business Development Lead-MW, Anzana Electric Group
51:00 Q & A and open discussion
59:12 Solar Minigrids, Edgar Kapiza Bayani - Country Director, Community Energy Malawi (CEM)