Construction of the 60MW Salima Solar project advances in Malawi

Blantyre, Malawi: Construction of the 60MW_AC solar project in the District of Salima, Malawi advances with the arrival and installation of equipment and materials on site.

Co-developed by InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and JCM Power (JCM); the Salima Solar project will deliver clean power to the country’s national grid.

A ground breaking, presided over by His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi,  was held in December 2018 to mark the start of construction of the project.

In order to enable preparatory work to proceed on site ahead of the rainy season, InfraCo Africa agreed a limited notice to proceed with the project company, allowing the site to be cleared. InfraCo Africa and JCM, with the Dutch Development Bank FMO, have since committed to providing additional equity so that the project can be fully constructed and become operational in Q4 2019.

Now, with full construction works underway, and the passing of the rainy season, tens of thousands of solar panels are arriving on site for installation.

“We are excited to be moving forward with the construction of the Salima Solar plant. Drawing on the strong partnership established between InfraCo Africa, JCM Power, the Government of Malawi and ESCOM, the project strengthens independent power production in Malawi – a key driver for the country’s economic development.” Claire Jarratt, Chief Investment Officer, InfraCo Africa.

“This will be one of the largest solar PV projects in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa. Credit should be given to the Government of Malawi and ESCOM for creating an enabling environment for investors.” Justin Woodward, Co-Founder and Head of Africa, JCM Power.