Malawi handed money to construct mini hydropower project

11 June 2012

The US government has thrown its financial muscle behind plans to construct a mini hydropower project in Malawi, it has been announced.

Under the terms of the deal, power will be generated through the flow of the Lunyina river, which is situated on the western side of Nyika plateau, TradeInvest Africa reports.

According to energy experts in the region, the flow of the river could be transformed into between 7MW and 20MW of power, assuming the appropriate infrastructure can be implemented.

Initially, the project will start with the creation of a plant producing 7MW, with this figure set to rise over time.

The energy upgrades are necessary as Malawi's economy is currently being undermined by a power supply deficit.

Owing to this problem, foreign investors are reluctant to turn to Malawi to spend their money.

But in light of investment from the US government this is set to change, which should have a knock-on impact for Malawians.

Category: Energy