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PROJECT TITTLE: USINGINI HYDRO POWER MINI GRID PROJECT
The site lies within the Vipya plateau in Nkhatabay District in Malawi, which rises up to an altitude of 1,900m above sea level. After conducting a rapid assessment of the Zulunkhuni river in Nyakatali falls, it was deduced that the site has the potential of generating around 600KW. The area has high demand for energy for productive uses such as coffee production and processing, irrigation agriculture, fish farming other agro-‐processing enterprises and powering community services such as schools and hospitals. A number of coffee cooperatives operating in the area would act as an anchor load to ensure financial viability of the project. The coffee cooperatives and private enterprises operating in the area will also provide additional resources, institutional capacity and market for the energy to ensure viability of the social enterprise that will be set up to manage the proposed mini grid after completion. It is estimated that each coffee processing plant would require around 10KW which would provide a base load of 100KW. The processing plants are currently using diesel generators, requiring an average of 35 litres a day. Currently a single estate is spending an estimated cost of $100 a day towards fuel and the required maintenance to the diesel generator. It is projected that if the mini grid will be in place they will be able to save 60% of the current expenditure. Overall, the project will directly impact an estimate 1,500 households (7,500 people). IMPACT: The Department of Energy Affairs in Malawi confirmed that there are no immediate plans for grid expansion. Based on the A-‐B-‐C model, the pilot mini grid project will target 1000 households, 100 entrepreneurs, 6 coffee estates , 3 schools, and 3 health centers located in the project catchment area. ABSTRACT. There is only one reliable mini grid in Malawi which generates 80KW for more information visit http://practicalaction.org/mega-‐malawi. The mini grid has demonstrated best practice though there are few anchor loads who could provide revenue for the sustainability of the mini grid unlike Usingini which has coffee growers. Problem statement. Usingini area is 20 KM away from the grid, people are in darkness as most households use kerosene, china torches for lighting and diesel generators for processing coffee. The proposed Usingini mini grid site at Zulunkhuni river has coffee growers who will provide revenue for the sustainability of the system. Team Leader: Admore Chiumia. Team members: Wezzie Ngoma and Lynda Chilinda.