The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) has launched an international competitive tender for the development of a 20 MW/40 MWh grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Luwinga Substation in Mzuzu City, Malawi. The project aims to improve electricity supply reliability, strengthen grid stability, and enhance the overall quality of power delivery across the country’s northern region.
The proposed battery storage system will be developed through a comprehensive contract covering design, procurement, supply, installation, integration, testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and eventual transfer. The successful contractor will be responsible for completing the entire scope of work within 24 months. The project is expected to support the electricity network by providing battery-based energy storage capabilities and improving the management of power supply in the region.
ESCOM has invited eligible international and local companies to participate in the bidding process under International Competitive Bidding procedures. The tender provides an opportunity for qualified companies with relevant technical expertise and project execution capabilities to compete for the contract.
Interested bidders can inspect the official tender documentation at ESCOM’s Procurement Office in Blantyre. Complete sets of the bidding documents are available for purchase from the accounts office upon payment of a non-refundable fee of MK50,000. The payment must be made in cash or through a bank-certified cheque.
To provide prospective bidders with an opportunity to understand the project requirements, ESCOM has scheduled a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for October 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting will take place at the project site in Luwinga, Mzuzu. Although attendance is not compulsory, the meeting is intended to help interested companies gain a clearer understanding of the proposed installation and associated requirements.
The tender was officially issued on October 6, 2026. Bidders must submit their completed proposals by November 6, 2026, no later than 10:00 AM local time. All submissions must be delivered physically to the designated tender box at the ESCOM House Annex Building in Blantyre. Electronic submissions will not be accepted, and late bids will be disqualified.
The public opening of bids is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time at the ESCOM Mpemba Training Centre. Representatives of participating bidders may attend the opening session.
The tender document does not specify the Earnest Money Deposit or Performance Bank Guarantee amounts. The only stated fee is the MK50,000 non-refundable charge for purchasing the bidding documents.
Through this initiative, ESCOM is seeking to strengthen electricity infrastructure in northern Malawi by introducing grid-forming battery storage technology. The project represents a step towards improving power system performance and supporting a more reliable electricity supply for the region.
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