Toshiba signs MOU on a partnership in geothermal power projects in Malawai, Africa

MOU signing ceremony in Malawi (source: Toshiba)

Alexander Richter 4 May 2018

Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (hereinafter referred to as Toshiba), the world leader in geothermal power systems, and Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining (MNREM) today concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MoU anticipates a comprehensive partnership in geothermal power projects including capacity building programs in relation to the technology.

Under the terms of the MOU, Toshiba will collaborate in the development and supply of major equipment for a geothermal power plant, develop operation and management guidelines, and facilitate capacity building programs. Toshiba aims to contribute to the early construction of the plant, and to supply geothermal power generation equipment, including a 1-10MW type of “Geoportable™,” a wellhead geothermal power generation system, in the future.

Almost all of Malawi’s current power generation capacity is from hydro. As the country lies to the west of the Great Rift Valley, it has rich geothermal potential. Adding geothermal to the energy mix will increase generation capacity in the country and contribute to the stable supply of clean energy.

“Toshiba is the world’s No.1^* supplier of geothermal turbines,” noted Toyoaki Fujita, Business Development Executive of Toshiba. “Our record to date covers delivery of 56 systems, with a total capacity of 3,628MW. We are delighted with this opportunity to work with MNREE, and to use our established expertise to contribute to geothermal power supply in Malawi.”

Toshiba concluded MOUs with geothermal power development companies in Ethiopia in 2014, Tanzania in 2015 and Djibouti and Uganda in 2016 – all covering comprehensive collaboration in the geothermal power generation business. Toshiba will continue to contribute to stable electricity supply and the realization of a low-carbon economy across the globe.

Malawi lies on the southern end of the Western branch of the East African Rift System. As one of the poorest countries in Africa, the country faces major electricity generating difficulties due to limited conventional fossil fuel resources and over-reliance on hydroelectric power, with severe shortages during the dry season.

The country has significant potential geothermal energy resources. So far no development activities have been reported, but there are early studies investigating and cataloguing resources near the numerous hot springs across the country. (further details via “Geothermal Development in Malawi – A Country Update (ARGeo 2012)”

Source: Toshiba