Nyika Hydropower Group Limited (NHG) has signed a Transmission Connection Agreement (TCA) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) for its planned 51MW North Rumphi Hydropower Cascade Project.
The agreement formalises the run-of-river project’s connection to Malawi’s national electricity grid and follows the signing of 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in May 2025.
Located on the North Rumphi River, also known as the Denbo River, in Rumphi District in northern Malawi, the project comprises three run-of-river schemes: the 13MW Phoka, 18MW Munonono and 20MW Chiweta developments.
Each scheme has a gross head of approximately 225m, giving the hydraulically connected cascade a cumulative gross head of around 675m.
According to NHG, the three schemes are expected to generate an average 276,000MWh annually and increase Malawi’s installed generation capacity by around 9.2%. The developer estimates that the project could supply electricity equivalent to the needs of 2.7 million people.
The project’s hydrology is supported by the Nyika Plateau catchment, which receives up to 1700mm of rainfall annually. Wetlands and grasslands within the catchment retain water and release it gradually, helping to maintain river flows during the dry season.
Phased grid connection
Under the connection plan agreed with ESCOM, Phoka will initially connect to the grid at 66kV through a 1km loop-in/loop-out connection to the Livingstonia-Bwengu transmission line.
For the full cascade, a 4.5km double-circuit 33kV line will connect Chiweta with Munonono. A further 8.5km double-circuit connection will run from Munonono to the planned Haniniya Substation.
Phoka’s 66kV connection will remain in place and interface with the 66kV bus at Haniniya. The combined output of the cascade will then be stepped up to 132kV and transmitted through a new 54km single-circuit line to New Bwengu Substation.
NHG said the phased configuration will allow early electricity delivery while providing the infrastructure required to evacuate the output of the complete 51MW cascade.
The developer expects the connection infrastructure to improve transmission capacity, voltage stability and reliability in northern Malawi. It is also intended to complement planned Eastern Backbone transmission upgrades and the proposed Tanzania-Malawi Interconnector, which would connect Malawi with the Eastern Africa Power Pool.
NHG said improved electricity infrastructure in the north could also support planned mining developments, including Kayelekera, Kanyika, Songwe Hill and Kangankunde.
“The TCA provides a clear pathway for North Rumphi’s power to reach Malawi’s national grid. By strengthening the Northern transmission network, the Project will support growing industrial demand, improve system reliability and deliver more renewable electricity to businesses and communities,” NHG shareholders said.
With the PPAs and grid connection agreement in place, NHG said it will now concentrate on completing the remaining project agreements, detailed engineering and financing activities required to reach financial close.
Bowmans acted as NHG’s legal adviser during negotiation and signing of the TCA with ESCOM and is continuing to advise the developer on outstanding agreements with the Government of Malawi and its agencies.
NHG is a Malawian-incorporated joint venture between GWA Power Company Limited, Bazaruto Renewables and Jack Ituru Muthomi Renewable Energy Limited.
