Ibrahim Matola orders Power Market Limited to revoke Independent Power Producers licenses
By Wezzie Gausi:
The Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has ordered Power Market Limited (PML) to revoke licences for dormant Independent Power Producers (IPP).
Speaking at the launch of the Malawi Power Industry Compendium in Lilongwe on Thursday Malota said PML should review all the PPAs to clear all IPPs that have not started any work as the country faces power challenges.
However, PML Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mkandawire said she will have to seek advice from the Attorney General before effecting Matola’s directive.
Matola said the country can only meet the 1000 megawatts by 2030 if it has serious investors in the energy sector adding that the country has no room for IPPs that are not working.
“I want to have a report on the dormant PPAs by the end of the month. This nation cannot keep IPPs that are doing nothing despite signing the agreements. Dormant PPAs are a sign that IPPs are not interested. We need to enter into partnership with companies that are ready to work,” Matola said.
Mkandawire said PML will review all the IPPs.
“We understand the call by the Minister but we believe with the warning all IPPs will be up and running to make sure they start the works on the ground.
“PML has engaged different IPPs to help with the energy sector. In the next three months there will be another 21 megawatts of power added to the national grid from Selengeti solar power in Nkhotakota,” Mkandawire said.
Malawi Power Industry Compendium is a forum that will display all the resources available in the country to woo investors in the energy sector.
Recently the joint Parliamentary Committee engaged all players in the energy sector to discuss power challenges in Malawi.
The committee wanted to find out why the country was still facing persistent blackouts, the disagreements among players in the sector and to map a way forward on the rehabilitation of Kapichira hydropower which was destroyed by cyclones last year.
