• Reference: P-Z1-F00-006
• Appraisal Date: 01/03/2006
• Board Presentation: 30/06/2006
• Status: PipelinePIPE
• Implementing Agency:
• Location: Mozambique / Malawi

The project will consist of the construction of 220 km of 400kV line, with conductor size and other parameters to be determined as part of the updated feasibility study. The single circuit overhead line will initially be operated at 220 kV. The line will be constructed from Matambo Substation at Tete in Mozambique to Phombeya Substation in Malawi. The project will include stringing of a fibre optic cable for telecommunications, which will eventually be extended to other cross-border links to improve telecommunication services in the sub-region.

The Matambo Substation at Tete in Mozambique will be extended by a new 220 kV bay connected to the existing 220 kV substation. The bay is to be located within the existing substation area. The control facilities for the 220 kV system will be installed in the existing Control Building by an extension of control panels for the 220 kV system. Whilst design has to be finalised as part of the updated feasibility study, it would be feasible to install a 220/132 kV transformer with rated capacity of 350 MVA (as per previous feasibility study) at the Phombeya Substation in Malawi and connected into the 132 kV national grid.

The primary objective of Mozambique-Malawi Interconnection Project is to export the surplus hydropower from Mozambique to accommodate the power deficit in Malawi. The interconnection would also allow an exchange of power between Malawi and Mozambique and with any other power utility signatory of the SAPP. The project would also strengthen the regional power grid enabling both parties to benefit from increased reliability of supply. In particular, the interconnection would significantly improve the reliability of the Malawian power system. The Loss of Load Expectancy will be reduced to the recommended level at a fraction of the cost that otherwise would be required for the installation of thermal power.

The interconnection would also reduce the impact of prolonged droughts in Malawi and ESCOM's ability to meet its demand. The power import via the interconnection may allow Malawi to defer certain heavy investments for indigenous power. The interconnection will also allow Malawi to export surplus energy generated during low load conditions when water otherwise would have been spilled.

Past experience has shown that Malawi power system suffered shortage of supply as a result of hydropower under generation due to draught. Malawi, therefore, needs to install standby generators (most likely gas turbines) to meet future power shortages emanating from draught. The study has shown that the proposed interconnection would result in substantial savings in Malawi through deferred investment and improved reliability of supply. The two countries would, therefore, benefit through sharing of the net savings resulting from transmitting the excess hydro power from Mozambique to Malawi.

The Project would realise net benefits through the deferment of investments and improved supply reliability in Malawi. EdM and ESCOM would share the benefits.

FIKRU Bizuneh - ONEC2

Amount
UAC 40,000,000