INDUSTRY TRENDS

Solar PV and battery energy storage project a first for sub-Saharan Africa

The 20MW Golomoti Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Project in Malawi has successfully entered commercial operations.

 

The project is the first utility-scale grid-connected hybrid solar and battery energy storage project in sub-Saharan Africa. This marks a milestone for the region as energy storage serves as an important tool to integrate increasing amounts of renewable energy into utility networks. The inclusion of the battery system means the project will reduce variation in output during cloud cover, dispatch energy in the evening peak, and support controlling voltage and frequency of the grid.

 

The project includes a 28.5MWp solar array coupled with a 5MW/10MWh lithium-ion battery and will provide 20MW of much-needed power to Malawi’s grid.