Picture this: It is Monday 23rd February and it PIESA conference day. Everything is on point and runs smoothly likely a military parade.
The conference starts on time, speakers showcase great presentations. No hitches as their papers are beamed on the big screens. Those online join with ease – like a hot knife cutting margarine. No technical or digital lapses.
This is how the Power Institute for East and Southern Africa PIESA conference which ESCOM hosted from 22nd to 24th February can be described.
From the opening session, ESCOM through its Board of Directors was bold – urging power utilities across East and Southern Africa to collaborate to improve stable power supply in the region.
ESCOM Board member Welford Sabola, representing the Board Chairperson, characterized the conference as a working laboratory to rescue the region’s energy future.
Sabola, noted that the conference theme-Transforming Electricity Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future-is a direct response to the urgent energy shortfalls effecting the region.
”As ESCOM, we know the enormous duty and responsibility placed on us. To achieve the industrialization pillar of the Malawi 2063 vision, the availability of reliable and quality power is non-negotiable,” Sabola said.
He disclosed that ESCOM is currently undergoing a radical transformation to move past its historical challenges, aiming to become a regional leader in affordable and inclusive electricity.
He said central to this strategy is the adoption of new technologies, including the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) designed to stabilize solar power and the nearing completion of the Mozambique-Malawi interconnector.
The summit, drew engineers, researchers, and policy-makers from across east and southern Africa.
On Monday, the first presentation was delivered by Maruthi Mallepalli, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
He presented on Innovative Business Models for Scalable Smart Metering AMI implementation in Emerging Markets.
In his presentation, ESCOM’s Acting Director of Distribution and Customer Services Engineer Gilbert Chodzadza took a people-centric approach into energy, highlighting that building a power network isn’t just about cables buts also people.
He argued that Community Engagement is the heartbeat of sustainable energy.
”When communities are empowered with information, they become partners in protecting the assets that power their own growth,” Chodzadza said.
Today (Tuesday 24th February) the conference from the boardroom to the field with two technical tours which started with BESS project at ESCOM Kanengo Subtation where Malawi’s progress in battery storage and solar integration will be on full display for regional participants. Participants will also visit EGENCO’s Salima Solar Plant.