Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit and Deputy Secretary for the Office of President and Cabinet in Malawi Dr. Jane Banda has disclosed that the country requires an additional 230 MW to power the mining sector efficiently.
Constituting roughly 40% of Malawi’s current generation capacity, the phased approach to increase energy generation will involve the development of energy infrastructure to support mining activities without overwhelming the existing power grid.
“This means that Malawi needs to prepare well with adequate electricity to make mining tick,” Dr. Banda stated, adding, “We cannot emphasize enough the key role that electricity will play to unlock the mining industry.”
In response, the Presidential Delivery Unit plans to conduct a Mining Delivery Lab in June this year to resolve issues slowing the advancement of the mining sector. The lab will bring together stakeholders from the mining and energy sectors to develop strategies and solutions to improving energy generation in the mining sector.
Dr. Banda noted that key challenges in Malawi’s energy sector include inadequate infrastructure, energy access and transportation.
