The 20 MW battery storage facility, developed in collaboration with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) and the Global Energy Alliance, receives backing from a USD 20 million catalytic grant.
The landmark project will enhance electricity reliability for households and industries while cutting carbon emissions by 10,000 tonnes each year.
The project launches the Alliance's Grids of the Future programme, focused on creating resilient, modern power systems that drive industrial growth and long-term energy security across Africa under Mission 300

PRNewswire -- The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet have commissioned Malawi's first standalone utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a landmark 20 MW / 40 MWh installation located in Kanengo, Lilongwe.

The commissioning ceremony, led by Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, Minister of Energy, represents a key advance in the country's energy shift. Backed by a USD 20 million grant from the Global Energy Alliance, the project stabilizes the national grid, cuts dependence on expensive diesel generation, and sets up a stronger and more dependable energy framework.

Malawi's electricity grid has long dealt with ongoing issues such as instability, high renewable energy curtailment, reliance on hydropower and expensive diesel backup generation. The Kanengo BESS tackles these core problems by storing energy and handling variations, thereby freeing up around 100 MW of existing renewable generation capacity.

The facility will prevent over 10,000 tons of carbon emissions annually while improving energy access for households, commercial and industrial sectors, and essential public services, along with building resilience against climate impacts. As part of the Global Energy Alliance BESS Consortium, a worldwide effort to expand battery storage in low- and middle-income countries, the project shows how storage can be used to improve grid performance and create a series of investable storage assets across Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).

The project is included in the Alliance's Grids of the Future initiative, which uses digital tools and distributed energy integration to bypass outdated infrastructure and develop a robust, forward-looking power system. Instead of viewing storage as an isolated technology, the facility represents a strategic move to treat BESS as essential grid infrastructure, supporting more adaptable power systems and updating market structures. It also opens a fresh revenue opportunity for Malawi through ancillary services, laying groundwork for sustained economic progress and market growth as the region increases its renewable energy capacity.

"This event signifies much more than activating a battery system - it signals the point when Malawi's grid became more intelligent, robust, and prepared for the future. For years, grid instability led us to limit renewable energy already produced and rely on costly diesel, impacting consumers and climate goals. The Kanengo BESS transforms this situation. By storing and releasing power instantly, we stabilize feeder voltages, lower system losses, and unlock around 100 MW of renewable generation previously restricted. This stands as more than a technical success - it forms the base for ESCOM's evolution into a financially sound, high-performing utility that can help achieve Malawi's aim of 70% electricity access by 2030." - Eng. William Kayipa, CEO, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM)

"Malawi has shown that Africa need not pick between energy access and a clean energy shift. With this 20 MW / 40 MWh BESS now running, Malawi is freeing up around 100 MW of renewable capacity that might otherwise go unused, reducing 10,000 tons of CO2 each year, and establishing the technical base for enduring energy security. This marks the Global Energy Alliance's largest BESS achievement in Africa so far - and we take pride in delivering it alongside the Government of Malawi and ESCOM. It proves that strategic use of catalytic philanthropic funds can reduce risks for major infrastructure and attract much larger investments." - Woochong Um, CEO, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

"This initiative extends past batteries and megawatts - it highlights what becomes achievable when governments, funders, and development partners unite on a common goal. Malawi's BESS provides steady power for hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes without the disruptions, noise, emissions, and expense of diesel generators. It delivers cleaner air, reduced emissions, and a fresh benchmark for energy infrastructure in Africa. The continent observes with interest - and we stand ready to assist others in following this example." - Carol Koech, Vice President for Africa, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

The project advances Malawi's energy transition as outlined in its National Energy Compact under Mission 300. It also establishes the Southern Africa BESS Centre of Excellence at Mzuzu University to promote BESS skills training and knowledge exchange across the continent.

About ESCOM

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) serves as the national utility handling transmission, distribution and retailing of electricity in Malawi. ESCOM works to broaden access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity for all Malawians.

About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is a global nonprofit that forms public, private and philanthropic partnerships (PPPPs) to speed up clean energy and economic opportunity. Founded in 2021 by The Rockefeller Foundation, IKEA Foundation and Bezos Earth Fund, we develop the technical, financial and institutional bases that render clean energy investable and scalable across emerging economies. Our efforts rest on two mutually supportive global pillars that together tackle the market fragmentation that has slowed progress on energy access and economic development: Grids of the Future and Powering Opportunity. Our Grids of the Future work bolsters energy supply through AI-enabled, renewables-ready power grids. Powering Opportunity builds demand, aiding people in using clean energy to run businesses, generate jobs and fuel economic growth. Together, these pillars form a reinforcing cycle of plentiful energy and economic opportunity.

With 130 projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, we are positioned to reach 91 million people with clean energy, create or improve more than 3 million jobs and prevent nearly 300 million tons of carbon emissions. For more information, please visit the organization website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media contacts:

ESCOM Public Relations Department
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, [email protected]

SOURCE The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet