4 August 2026: Malawi marked a milestone in its energy transition on 24 July 2026 with the commissioning of its first grid-forming utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Kanengo Substation in Lilongwe.
The 20MW/ 40MWh project was officially inaugurated by Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, Minister of Energy, alongside representatives from the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) and other government officials. The ceremony marked the start of commercial operations for Malawi's first utility-scale BESS.
The project is expected to strengthen grid reliability, enhance energy security and support the integration of renewable energy into Malawi's electricity network.
JIVO Energy served as the turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, delivering the project from engineering and procurement through construction, testing and commissioning.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Jorge Lascas, Chief Commercial Officer at JIVO Energy, said the project demonstrates the company's ability to deliver complex utility- scale energy infrastructure.
"It is a proud moment that proves JIVO Energy's capacity to execute complex, high-impact utility-scale energy projects to international standards using Tier-I equipment."
Lascas also recognised the contribution of the project team.
"JIVO Energy's team dedication and hard work made this project possible. Their passion, resilience, and attention to detail have been remarkable. They met every engineering challenge head-on with unwavering commitment."
The commissioning of the Kanengo BESS marks an important step in Malawi's efforts to strengthen and modernise its electricity network. The successful delivery of the project reflects the strong collaboration between the Government of Malawi, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), the JIVO Energy team and other stakeholders, whose collective commitment made this landmark achievement possible.
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About JIVO Energy: JIVO Energy has been engaged in renewable energy business in Africa & Asia since 2018 focused on Project Development, EPC, O&M, and investing in renewable energy projects, including provision of technical services related to renewable energy to several clients.
In addition, JIVO Energy provides Technical Feasibility, EPC and O&M services related to renewable energy to project developers and investors in Europe.
JIVO Energy currently operates in 15+ countries in Africa across East, West, and Southern Africa, with offices & teams in India, UAE, Portugal, Mauritius, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde.
JIVO Energy has now successfully implemented projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Zambia.
As of today, JIVO Energy has constructed (or has under construction) more than 100MWp of Solar PV and more than 60MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), with another 200MWp+ of Solar PV and 150MWh+ of Battery Energy Storage Systems under development across 12 countries in Africa.
