- Global Chinese inverter supplier Sungrow has partnered with JCM Power, InfraCo Africa, RINA and Innovate UK to construct the first utility-scale solar-plus-storage project in Malawi.
- Located in the Dedza district of Malawi near the town of Golomoti, the 20MW solar PV and 5MW/10MWh energy storage project is set to become a leading project in sub-Saharan Africa in demonstrating the value of solar PV coupled with energy storage.
The project will fully adopt Sungrow’s one-stop solar-plus-storage MV solution comprised of PV inverter, MV station, all-in-one Power Conversion System, battery container, and energy management system (EMS). Sungrow’s leading PV and storage technologies will be deployed to improve the availability, reliability, and quality of the Malawi power supply through its outstanding capabilities in providing frequency regulation, voltage regulation, peak shaving, and reactive power support.
The Golomoti project, which is expected to enter operations at the end of 2021, will have all engineering, procurement and construction activities managed by JCM Power. The inclusion of lithium-ion batteries behind the meter at this scale will be a first in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating JCM’s position as a leader in deploying leading technologies and innovation for solar-storage projects.
“We are pleased to have selected Sungrow to supply solar inverters, transformer kiosks and a one-stop lithium-ion battery energy storage solution for this pioneering project. Together, with Sungrow’s global experience and expertise, we look forward to this project demonstrating the pathway for clean, affordable and reliable energy for Malawi and further as a demonstration to other developing nations” said Shane Eglinton, Engineering Director of JCM Power.
“We are extremely proud to be part of this iconic project. At the same time, we are certain that the introduction of our latest outdoor Power Conversion System solutions to the African market will boost the region’s clean-power access and economic growth,” said Phyllis Yang, the head of Sungrow Southern Africa.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
