Nyika Hydropower Group Signs Transmission Agreement for 51 MW North Rumphi Hydropower Project in Malawi

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Nyika Hydropower Group Limited (NHG) has signed a Transmission Connection Agreement (TCA) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), establishing the implementation pathway for connecting its planned 51 MW North Rumphi Cascade Hydropower Project to Malawi's national grid.

The project is located on the North Rumphi River (also known as the Dembo River) in the Rumphi District of northern Malawi and comprises three run-of-river power plants: the 13 MW Phoka plant, the 18 MW Munonono plant, and the 20 MW Chiweta plant. Each plant has a gross head of approximately 225 meters, with a combined cascade gross head of approximately 675 meters. NHG previously signed 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with ESCOM in May 2025.

NHG stated that the three plants are expected to generate an average annual output of 276,000 MWh, which would increase Malawi's total installed capacity by approximately 9.2%, equivalent to the electricity demand of approximately 2.7 million people. The project's hydrological conditions rely on the Nyika Plateau catchment area, which receives annual rainfall of up to 1,700 mm, where wetlands and grasslands retain water and release it slowly, helping to sustain river flows during the dry season.

Grid connection will be implemented in a phased approach. The Phoka plant will initially connect to the 66 kV grid via a 1 km loop-in/loop-out line linked to the Livingstonia-Bwengu transmission line. Within the cascade, a 4.5 km double-circuit 33 kV line will connect Chiweta to Munonono, while an additional 8.5 km double-circuit connection will extend from Munonono to the planned Haniniya substation. Phoka's 66 kV connection will remain in place and tie into the 66 kV busbar at Haniniya, after which the combined cascade output will be stepped up to 132 kV and delivered via a new 54 km single-circuit line to the New Bwengu Substation.

NHG stated that the phased configuration enables early power delivery while simultaneously building the infrastructure required to transmit the full output of the 51 MW cascade. The developer expects these connection facilities to improve transmission capacity, voltage stability, and system reliability in northern Malawi, complementing the planned Eastern Backbone transmission upgrades as well as the proposed Tanzania-Malawi Interconnector, which would link Malawi to the Eastern Africa Power Pool. The strengthened northern grid will also support power supply to planned mining projects such as Kayelekera, Kanyika, Songwe Hill, and Kangankunde.

NHG shareholders stated that the TCA provides a clear pathway for North Rumphi power to access the national grid. By strengthening the northern transmission network, the project will support the growth of industrial demand, improve system reliability, and deliver more renewable electricity to businesses and communities. With the PPAs and grid connection agreement now signed, NHG will focus on advancing the remaining project agreements, detailed engineering design, and financing activities to achieve financial close.

Bowmans acted as legal counsel to NHG during the negotiation and signing of the TCA and will continue to advise the developer on agreements still to be concluded with the Government of Malawi and its agencies. NHG is a joint venture registered in Malawi, comprising GWA Power Company Limited, Bazaruto Renewables, and Jack Ituru Muthomi Renewable Energy Limited.