JCM's 20MW Golomoti Solar and Battery Energy Storage Project Reaches Commercial Operation
JCM Power, together with InfraCo Africa, is pleased to announce that the 20MW Golomoti Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage project in the Dedza district of Malawi has successfully entered Commercial Operations. The project, which started construction in April 2021, 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. Golomoti is JCM Power’s second renewable energy project in Malawi after the 60MW Salima Solar project entered operations in October 2021,
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’s 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.
Through construction, the project created over 550 jobs, of which 85% were local jobs for Malawians. Environmentally, the project has negligible impact, specifically with the power plant being designed to preserve ancient baobabs which were on the site.
Christian Wray, CEO of JCM Power, noted that “We are proud to announce the completion of our second solar project in Malawi which is a pioneering solar and energy storage project that will serve as a catalyst for many similar projects in the future. In addition to developing and financing the project, JCM Power managed the execution of the works and, despite numerous challenges due to impacts from the global Covid-19 pandemic, we are pleased with the speed of project execution, the positive economic benefits delivered to Malawi and all while keeping our employees and communities safe.”
The project is committed to having a positive long term impact and, in partnership with the community, has developed a Social and Economic Development Plan focusing on Women Empowerment, Health and Sanitation, and Subsistence-based Sustainable Livelihoods. The project has already delivered numerous impact projects related to clean water and education.
The project is made possible through a long list of partners, including USAID who provided critical development funding, Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst program who provided grant funding for the batteries, and furthermore by IFU who provided JCM with debt financing.
Based on the projects commitment to women employment and its gender inclusive policies, the project is eligible to be a 2XChallenge investment. JCM Power Corporation is qualified as a 2XChallenge company and these initiatives further demonstrate JCM’s commitment.
About JCM
JCM Power is an independent power producer (IPP) dedicated to accelerating social, economic and environmental sustainability in growth markets through the development, construction and operation of renewable energy infrastructure. JCM Power owns and operates wind and solar assets in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.. Learn more about JCM Power by visiting: www.jcmpower.ca
About InfraCo Africa
InfraCo Africa is part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). InfraCo Africa seeks to alleviate poverty by mobilising private investment into high-quality infrastructure projects in sub-Saharan Africa’s poorest countries. It addresses the risks and costs of early-stage project development: funding teams of experienced developers and providing risk capital to those projects which need the financial commitment and leverage that InfraCo Africa can bring. InfraCo Africa is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom (through FCDO), the Netherlands (through DGIS) and Switzerland (through SECO). For more information please visit: www.infracoafrica.com
About IFU
IFU is a Danish independent government-owned fund offering risk capital to companies in developing countries and emerging markets. IFU invests in financially viable companies, contributing to the green transition as well as economic and social development. IFU has invested in 1,318 companies in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. Committed investments total DKK 227 billion, of which IFU has contributed DKK 25 billion. Further information can be found at www.ifu.dk
