GE’s Energy Management System will provide real-time and remotely managed information on Malawi’s electrical grid and power outages; The project which covers 26 substations will reduce technical losses in the transmission system in the medium-term, while fostering economic growth in the long-term.

The energy giant made the disclosure in Malawi on Tuesday. The Project which is financed through the Millenium Challenge Corporation is expected to improve efficiency, reliability, security and planning of the transmission network in Malawi. According to GE the installation and commissioning of the Energy Management (EMS) and telecommunications systems at the 26 substations of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has already been completed. The project will provide ESCOM with the tools to securely interconnect with neighboring countries of Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Vice President and General Counsel, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Jeanne Hauch,  said, “The work we have accomplished through the MCC Malawi Compact has created the foundation for a modern power system in Malawi. The experience and expertise of partners such as GE are critical to the success of a compact. GE’s technology is providing real-time and remotely managed information on Malawi’s electrical grid and power outages. This kind of work has set the stage for Malawi’s continued economic development.”

With millions of the county’s population not having access to electricity, Malawi is working towards a reliable and cost efficient operation of its transmission system.

CEO of GE Power’s Grid Solutions, Sub-Saharan Africa, Lazarus Angbazo said, “The ability to monitor the grid in real time is a key requirement to secure electricity supply nationwide. GE’s EMS solution will enable the state-owned power utility to easily monitor, control and coordinate the related electrical networks, regulate power voltage within the transmission grid and identify system failure in those substations that are connected to the SCADA system.

 “Furthermore, the grid modernization and expansion will enable safe and efficient transmission of electricity therefore providing more Malawians with access to electricity and pave the way toward development of Africa’s regional interconnections,” he added.