The Nkula A Power Plant was originally commissioned in 1966. Since its commissioning, the power plant had not undergone any major rehabilitation. Therefore, It’s equipment had become old and dilapidated. Consequently, the power plant’s technical condition had significantly decreased; it was no longer running at full capacity and had become susceptible to frequent breakdowns.
Rehabilitation works were, therefore, carried out at the Nkula A Power Plant from 24th April 2017 aimed at modernizing the power plant, improving its reliability and increasing its useful lifespan.
The rehabilitation works involved the refurbishment of the electro-mechanical equipment and hydraulic steel structures (such as turbines, generators, control systems, gantry cranes and tailrace gates), replacement and upgrading of the electromechanical balance of plant equipment as well as the reconstruction of the existing 66kV switchyard.
Upon completion of the works in July 2018, the Nkula A power plant’s power generation capacity was increased from 24MW to 35.1MW.
The rehabilitation, modernization and upgrading of the Nkula A Power Plant was implemented with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation – USA, under the USD350 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Malawi Compact, through Millennium Challenge Account – Malawi (MCA-M).
