By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, February 28, Mana: Government of Malawi, through Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi(ESCOM), has signed an agreement with Aspin Energy Limited that aims to supply 142 megawatts of electricity in the country in order to reduce persistent electricity blackouts in the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday, Chief Executive Officer for Aspin Energy Group, Emillio Paul Masumbi, explained that the signed agreement of the 142 megawatts gas power generation will be the largest single power plant in Malawi.

He said this will play a crucial role in supplying electricity in all parts of the country in order to reduce blackouts.

“This is the beginning of our journey to supply more powered energy in the country as we are intending to add about 152 megawatts of electricity once the first phase has been completed.

“The investment of the energy will use about US$210 million and prioritise in boosting the ATM strategy which focuses on Agriculture, Tourism and Mining sector by generating more forex and fueling it behind the scenes of the strategy,” he explained.

Chief Executive Officer for ESCOM, Kamkwamba Kumwenda, concurred with Matumbi saying the country needs to diversify sources of electricity without solely relying on EGENCO for the distribution and supply of electricity.

He said the coming of Aspin Energy Limited marks a great milestone in supplying the much needed electricity.

“As a major supplier of electricity, we need to inject more systems in electricity generation in the country as the demand is increasing day by day hence alternatives should be brought forward and be actualised on the ground.

“We expect the company to start it’s operations within the next twelve months once everything is sorted out,” Kumwenda said.

Board Chairperson for ESCOM, Gospel Kazako, commended Aspin for stepping out to help in boosting the energy sector with an alternative way of supplying electricity through gas that is also environmental friendly.

Aspin Energy Limited commenced in 2018 and is targeting to distribute energy in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia while using alternative sources of energy including gas.