Why do low- and middle-income countries need battery energy storage systems and what are the key challenges in scaling them?
As a country, we need the battery energy storage system to have reliable, sustainable energy. We have natural resources, which is the sun. But we use it only during the day. At night, we do not have the power. This system and technology can make us have reliable power, as it can keep the power for night usage, when most equipment and appliances need it.
What are the key challenges that you are facing presently?
The current challenge is that we have the technology for the day, but there is no solution for night time. That is why we are in India to learn how we can save power and utilise it during the night. It is important for us to address this challenge in order to develop.
What role is artificial intelligence (AI) playing in improving how these systems are deployed and managed?
We consider AI to be important for economic progress. The world is moving in that direction. However, for us to extensively use artificial intelligence, we need reliable energy systems. One of them is the battery energy storage system, which can support the use of AI in our country.
In India, we have digital divide, so the access is limited. So how do we deal with it?
We are here to learn from India how it is tackling this issue. Till about 40 years ago, we were at par with India on poverty. But India progressed by exploring other sources of energy. I think that is why India has moved ahead in its pursuit for the much-needed development as it moves towards cleaner energy.
You have been focussing on inclusive transition. As we move towards cleaner energy, how do we ensure the transition is inclusive and it benefits everyone, not just a few?
The battery energy storage system is crucial in this regard. The full potential of renewables in Malawi can be achieved by having efficient battery energy storage. For us to harness the renewables, we need to have the battery energy storage, so that it can stabilise the grid and reduce our reliance on expensive diesel. So, we need to bring the battery energy storage, so that we can have the much-needed electricity.
Is Malawi focussing on greener jobs?
We are targeting both the rural and urban areas not only for green jobs, but also on reducing urbanisation. People are moving from rural areas to cities just for accessing electricity. It does not make sense that a person goes to school, has a degree and is well trained, but stays in an area which has no electricity. He cannot use laptop, phone and such gadgets. It makes skilled workers move from one place to another. In order to minimise that, we need to apply a tool which will make the masses, the rural masses, have access to electricity. That will make our country suffer less. Energy is a driver of the economy.
How does energy, especially storage, figure in your country’s ‘Vision for 2063’?
We have a goal, and this is a blueprint. But it can only be achieved by following what the head of the state would want to take the energy sector into. What is written in the blueprint can be realised when it comes into action.
Action in this sector is much needed the way His Excellency, President Lazarus Chakwera, has highlighted and chosen it in other sectors, like agriculture, smart agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing. As I have said earlier, energy is an enabler and driver of the economy. We need to have reliable, affordable sources of energy in order to achieve the targets of Malawi 2063.
Beyond energy needs, in what ways can battery storage support broader goals, like achieving Sustainable Development Goals?
A battery storage system can support sustainable energy because we are talking about public institutions, like clinics, schools, government facilities, etc. These are the things we need to have a battery storage system for. What I have learnt in India is that through government policy, we can start by harnessing renewable sources on the rooftop of government institutions and buildings. The rest will follow.
Lithium is in short supply, lead-acid batteries offer lower life cycle and vanadium is expensive. What is the practical way forward?
We are in India to learn how this technology works. It is interesting to see the technology which is being used here. That is why we want to have a partnership with India so that we can go further with the development of our country.
You mentioned that there are interesting technologies being used in India? Would you like to mention any one of them?
These technologies put together fit in our system. That is why, in my team, there are people from the regulator, the protection delivery unit and also from my ministry to sit down together and see what can be done to achieve the much-needed goals.
Everywhere the carbon credit market is being talked about. What is your take on it?
The carbon credit system is crucial. We need to take the opportunity of tapping those resources, which are just there, but we are not utilising them. We need the carbon credit system. We should be part of it. We are not the polluters because 80% our energy is clean. We use hydro power, and about 18% our energy is solar, but we do not have access to the carbon credit market. We hope that we will have the ability and exposure to the carbon credit market soon.
You have visited energy storage sites in India. What are your key takeaways, and what would you like to implement in Malawi?
Energy storage is a critical issue in Malawi, because our grid is fragile, but energy demand exists. As the demand grows and solar and wind sectors show more potential, storage providers have the flexibility to manage such technologies.
We have learnt a lot since we came to India. My technical team is studying possibilities about the tariff structure and the role of the regulator and the utility company. We are also looking into how a better storage system can be integrated into our system. I can say that it is important that we managed to come to India not just to learn, but to tap the much needed resources in order for us to apply them in our country. This can help us have reliable sources of energy.
You have had a long exposure in the energy sector. Is there anything in particular that you would like to highlight about Malawi?
As I said earlier, India and Malawi were at par 40 years ago. My president has brought in the strategy to make our country move forward in terms of job creation, food security and reliable sources of energy. It can be done when we move with his vision, the way India has moved with the vision of its prime minister.
With the vision of the Malawian president, we can have smart agriculture so that we do not depend just on rain-fed agriculture. It will lead to food sovereignty and security. Depending on rain-fed agriculture makes us prone to real challenges of climate change.
So, we need to have other ways of doing agriculture. When we talk about job creation in the tourism sector, we need to have reliable sources of power because most of our tourism sites are in rural areas. Beautiful sceneries are in rural areas. We need to give power to forest areas, so that tourists can go there.
Similarly, for job creation in manufacturing and mining, we need to ensure power supply into these sectors. We have got untapped minerals. Our deposits are larger than what is there in neighbouring countries. What God gave to Tanzania, he gave to Malawi. What God gave to Mozambique and Zambia, Malawi also got it. This is because Malawi lies under the Great Rift Valley. What we need is sustainable power to develop the mining sector.
This trip is an eye-opener for us. For our energy sector, we need to embrace and tap the knowledge very quickly and apply it in our country so that we can have realise the full potential of renewables.
You had a meeting with Pralhad Joshi, the Indian minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and the Minister of New and Renewable Energy. What are the takeaways of this meeting?
It is encouraging to see that India is walking the talk on the commitment it gave at COP26 in Glasgow. While meeting my Indian counterpart, I have seen that there is seriousness when it comes to using the renewables in India.
We have been talking about having 25 gigawatts, which is interesting. I have seen many electric cars and buses in India. This technology is needed to be shared with us, so that we can save our people and the planet with the support we are getting from this country.
Let me also thank him for assuring my team and me that he is going to stand with us, until we achieve the much-needed potential of renewables, and even solarisation of parliament. Malawi is part of the International Solar Alliance. So, we are getting technical and financial support from the Indian government. The minister has assured me that he will continue giving support to Malawi.
