SgurrEnergy, a leading renewable energy consultancy, has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to design and implement a hydroelectric scheme in Malawi.
Under the terms of the three-year project, SgurrEnergy will manage the design and installation of a 100kW hydroelectric scheme in Mulanje, as well as a community education programme to provide skills for the operation and maintenance of the technology. The team will also conduct tree planting as a watershed management programme and provide health clinic equipment to make best use of the new power supply.
The hydropower installation, when complete, will deliver renewable energy to an off-grid community without a reliable source of power. SgurrEnergy estimates the hydroelectric project will give 1,000 villagers in Mulanje direct access to clean energy. For this project, SgurrEnergy will be woorking in tandem with partners in Malawi - Mulanje Electricity Generation Authority (MEGA), Practical Action and Mulanje Renewable Energy Agency (MuREA).
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Europe & International Development, said the Malawi hydroelectric power project builds on the special relationship between Scotland and Malawi.
“Helping remote communities in Malawi to access energy is important for the future of the country,” said Yousaf said. “We might take electricity for granted, but a reliable, cost-effective and clean power source enables medics to treat patients safely and will help school students study after dark. In addition, the skills and training of local people in Malawi will provide a legacy for the project far beyond just this one location.”
Paul Mankey, civil engineering team leader at
SgurrEnergy, believes projects such as this will make a huge difference to the lives of the people living in Mulanje. “We are delighted to be providing expertise on this project, and we are looking forward to bringing this worthwhile project to fruition,” he said.
Ultimately, according to the project developers, the new hydroelectric plant will reduce the amount of imported fuel consumed by costly diesel generators and will benefit local industry and schools in the area, which was devastated by floods in January. For instance, the local Mulanje medical clinic will — for the first time — be able to use refrigerators and sterilisers. The facility will also be able to administer medical care after sunset using the clean energy produced by the scheme.
“This will make a real difference in people’s lives,” Yousaf stated. “We are proud to support SgurrEnergy’s work in Malawi.”