Assessing the Feasibility and Implementation of Smart Grids in Malawi: Challenges and Solutions

Smart grids have been proposed and actively recommended as solutions to the increasing number of problems in the power sector with respect to energy access, reliability, and sustainability in developing countries. However, it would be a very common misconception to consider that all countries are at par with readiness for the shift of this technology. This study investigates if it would be appropriate and cost-effective for the transformation of Malawi's already energy-stricken electricity infrastructure, complemented by low transmission levels. It discusses possible pluses and minuses associated with smart-grid implementation-the groundwork for comparing traditional power grid upgrades with the transformation of smart-grid-puts them in the context of building new power stations. It further develops a mathematical model for determining the right path to take; a model which compares under various socio-economic contexts and electricity demand prerequisites for Malawi to find which option would be the best fit. The study develops a contextualized framework that enables policymakers, stakeholders, and energy planners alike in Malawi and similar contexts to have the requisite data for future investment decisions. It goes even further and discusses a cost-benefit analysis that sheds light on the conditions under which building a new plant would be more feasible than implementing a smart grid.