Stakeholders within the energy sector are emphasizing the importance of diversifying the country’s energy sources to achieve economic stability and energy security.
These views were expressed during the Malawi National Energy Conference in Salima, which is under way under the theme “The Link between Energy Diversification for Sustainable Development.”
Sosten Chigalu, President of the Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi, highlighted the low electricity access in Malawi, reaching only about 19 percent of the population.
He stated that the conference aims to find solutions for this issue.
On the other hand, Schizzo Thompson, Managing Director of Sky Energy Africa, emphasized that energy diversification plays a crucial role in adopting various energy sources and enhancing security, ultimately contributing to economic stability.
Thompson also pointed out that expanding energy access to communities can spur economic growth and reduce energy costs for businesses, increasing their competitiveness.
Speaking at the conference, Engineer Alfonso Chikuni, permanent secretary for the ministry of energy said government is reviewing the national energy policy to put instrument that the country shall put in place a quarter for electric vehicle to be bought per year in an effort to encourage the use of electric vehicle away from fossil fuel vehicle.
Chikuni added that the ministry is committed in implementing the energy reform by introducing a key performance for results for utilities in the sector.
While Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, has pledged to persist in fostering an accommodating atmosphere for the adoption of renewable energy sources, his commitment is substantiated by data indicating that 7 percent of the nation’s 19 percent electrified population is linked to off-grid power sources.
