Skip to main content

GDC Partners With EGENCO In Malawi's Geothermal Exploration

GDC Partners with EGENCO to Unveil Malawi's Geothermal Potential: A New Era in Energy Exploration

By:Robert Buluma

In a significant move towards diversifying Malawi's energy portfolio, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has joined forces with the Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO) to explore the untapped geothermal resources within the Rift Valley. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the country's energy landscape, bringing with it the promise of a sustainable and reliable power source derived from the earth's natural heat.

Malawi's geothermal potential has long been hinted at by the presence of hot springs scattered throughout the Rift Valley, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 degrees Celsius. These natural indicators of geothermal activity have piqued the interest of energy experts and scientists, but it wasn't until 2023 that concrete steps were taken towards harnessing this potential. Now, under the guidance of Dr. Maxon Chitawo, the acting Chief Executive Officer of EGENCO, the collaboration with GDC is set to propel Malawi into the realm of geothermal energy.

GDC, renowned for its prowess in geothermal development, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The Kenyan company has been at the forefront of geothermal exploration and power generation, particularly in the geothermal-rich regions of Kenya's Rift Valley. With a proven track record of turning geothermal potential into tangible energy solutions, GDC's involvement in Malawi's exploration efforts is both timely and strategic.

Image: Wells of power in olkaria Geothermal fields in Kenya 

Dr. Chitawo expressed his excitement about the partnership, noting that it is an opportunity for Malawi to diversify its energy sources beyond hydroelectricity and fossil fuels. "Bringing GDC's expertise into this project will not only accelerate the exploration process but also ensure that we are employing the best practices in geothermal development," he said.

The initial stages of the exploration will focus on detailed geological surveys and feasibility studies to assess the viability of the hot springs as a source of geothermal energy. If successful, this project could pave the way for the establishment of geothermal power plants in Malawi, providing a steady and sustainable energy supply for the nation's growing needs.

The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, Malawi's foray into geothermal energy could position the country as a leader in sustainable energy in the region. The potential to generate clean, reliable, and indigenous energy could transform Malawi's energy landscape, reducing dependency on imported fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

This collaboration between GDC and EGENCO is more than just a technical endeavor; it represents a vision for a brighter, more sustainable future for Malawi. As the exploration progresses, the eyes of the world will be on this partnership, eagerly awaiting the results of what could be a game-changing development in Africa's energy sector.

Just recently, Kenya is Keen on hosting World Geothermal Congress come 2026, Will they outshine Canada? Probably this article expounds more

In the end, the success of this project will hinge on the synergy between GDC's geothermal expertise and EGENCO's deep understanding of Malawi's energy needs. If this partnership achieves its goals, Malawi could soon join the ranks of nations harnessing the power of geothermal energy, lighting up homes and industries with the heat of the earth itself. The journey is just beginning, and it promises to be an exciting one. 

Source:GDC ,Video

Connect with us: LinkedIn ,

Comments

Hot Topics 🔥

Inside the Geothermal Startup Mind: The Strategy, Funding & Sacrifices Behind Teverra’s Growth

Inside a Geothermal Startup’s Mind: Strategy, Funding, Ethics, and the Brutal Race to Commercialize This interview was done by Robert Buluma on behalf of Alphaxioms  Image:  The Interviewee, Dr.  Hamed Soroush is the Founder and President at Teverra  There’s a certain kind of silence that exists inside fast-growing startups. Not the quiet of peace, but the quiet of pressure . It’s the silence of teams racing to commercialize before competitors arrive. The silence of founders balancing mission and survival. The silence of a clean energy industry that desperately needs success stories… but is still learning how to measure them. In this one-on-one interview, we explore what it really takes to build a geothermal-driven clean energy company in today’s market, from strategic decisions and funding discipline to leadership, ethics, and the painful sacrifices behind growth. 1)  Vision & Strategy: “Speed Is Everything” Q:   Teverra  has grown rapidly, but co...

Geothermal Power Play: Well Engineering Partners Takes Over Operations as Sproule ERCE Sharpens Advisory Focus

The geothermal energy sector is heating up literally and figuratively and a recent strategic move is set to accelerate progress in sustainable energy production. By: Robert Buluma Effective January 1, 2026, Well Engineering Partners (WEP) acquired the operational and production-focused geothermal activities from Sproule ERC (formerly associated with Veegeo). This acquisition marks a smart realignment of strengths in the booming geothermal market, where clean, reliable baseload energy is increasingly vital for the global energy transition. Imagine harnessing the Earth's natural heat to power homes, industries, and cities without the intermittency of solar or wind. Geothermal energy does exactly that, providing constant output from deep underground reservoirs. But turning that potential into reality requires specialized expertise from initial resource assessment to long-term well maintenance. That's where this deal shines: it allows each company to double down on what they do b...

Europe's Geothermal Transition: Why Repurposing Oil Wells Isn't as Simple as It Sounds

Repurposing Hydrocarbon Wells for Geothermal Applications Insights from Our Interview with Christi on EGS, Storage, and Europe’s Energy Transition Christi is a Geothermal Resource Engineer and PhD Researcher, specializing in deep geothermal systems, closed-loop systems, well repurposing (especially converting old oil/gas wells for geothermal use), Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), and Deep Borehole Heat Exchangers (DBHE). What if the thousands of oil and gas wells scattered across Europe could become the backbone of the geothermal transition? In our recent interview with Christi, a leading researcher involved in the TRANSGEO project, we explored the technical, economic, and regulatory realities of repurposing hydrocarbon wells for geothermal applications , particularly for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), thermal storage, and district heating integration. From case studies like Groß Schönebeck to regional analysis in Lausitz, Christi offered a grounded and technical perspective o...

CTR Launches American Data Power: 600 MW Geothermal Complex to Fuel America’s AI & Hyperscale Data Boom at Salton Sea

The recent announcement from  Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (CTR) marks a significant step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. energy landscape:  providing reliable, clean, baseload power for the explosive growth of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure. On January 29, 2026, CTR launched American Data Power, a new subsidiary dedicated to delivering a utility-scale 600 MW energy complex in California's Salton Sea Geothermal Field. This initiative advances the next phase of CTR's flagship Hell’s Kitchen development, positioning it as one of the largest baseload renewable energy projects in the country. Geothermal energy stands out in the renewable mix because it delivers continuous, 24/7 power unlike solar or wind, which depend on weather conditions. The proposed complex targets a capacity factor exceeding 95%, ensuring high operational reliability. This makes it ideal for the constant, high-load demands of hyperscale data centers...

KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead

KenGen Launches International Tender for Essential Geothermal Wellhead Equipment Amid Kenya's Green Energy Push In a significant move to bolster its geothermal energy infrastructure, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has issued an open international tender for the supply of specialized geothermal wellhead equipment. The tender, referenced as KGN-GDD-025-2026, focuses on expanding gate valves and adaptor flanges—critical components used in geothermal wellheads to manage high-pressure steam and ensure safe, efficient energy extraction. Released in January 2026, this procurement opportunity underscores KenGen's ongoing commitment to expanding Kenya's renewable energy capacity, particularly in the geothermal sector, which already accounts for a substantial portion of the country's power generation. Tender Details and Requirements The tender invites sealed bids from eligible candidates worldwide, emphasizing an open competitive process to attract qualified ...

Vallourec-XGS Alliance Unlocks 3-GW Geothermal Buildout in Western US

Vallourec + XGS Energy : The Tubular Alliance That Could Turn Next-Gen Geothermal Into a 3-GW Reality Across the Western U.S. By: Robert Buluma Image:Vallourec-XGS Alliance Unlocks 3-GW Geothermal Buildout in Western US There are moments in the energy transition when a “press release” quietly reveals something far bigger than a partnership. It reveals a  supply chain war being won before the market even realizes the battle has begun. On January 28, 2026, Vallourec one of the world’s most dominant names in premium tubular solutions—announced a strategic supply chain partnership with XGS Energy, the next-generation geothermal developer building what may become one of the most aggressive geothermal project pipelines in North America: a 3-gigawatt commercial pipeline across the western United States. And this isn’t a distant dream. This is happening now—because XGS is preparing to begin construction this year on its headline project: a 150 MW geothermal facility in New Mexico backed ...

The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet: Why Geothermal Exploration Is the Industry’s Greatest Risk

Exploration Risk: The Billion-Dollar Gamble Beneath Our Feet By:  Robert Buluma Image credit: Kane Watikson on LinkedIn  Geothermal energy is often described as the sleeping giant of the clean energy transition  constant, weather-independent, capable of delivering 24/7 baseload power without the intermittency that defines solar and wind. Yet despite this extraordinary promise, geothermal remains underdeveloped in most parts of the world. The reason is not lack of heat. It is not lack of demand. It is not even lack of technology and not even  FINANCE ,  Whilst many will throw that policy card, but Alphaxioms is already future proofing that .  The real barrier lies several kilometers beneath our feet  in uncertainty. Exploration risk is the defining challenge of geothermal energy. Unlike wind turbines that can measure wind speeds before construction, or solar farms that can predict output from sunlight data, geothermal developers must make multimillion-d...

How to Start a Geothermal Energy Company: Entrepreneur’s Guide

How to Start a Geothermal Energy Company: Entrepreneur’s Guide By:  Robert Buluma Geothermal energy is emerging as one of the most reliable and sustainable renewable energy sources in the world. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal provides a stable, 24/7 energy supply, making it a highly attractive sector for entrepreneurs looking to enter the renewable energy market. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a geothermal energy company, this comprehensive guide walks you through everything—from understanding the technology to securing permits, funding, and scaling operations. Why Start a Geothermal Energy Company? The demand for renewable energy is skyrocketing, driven by climate change concerns, government incentives, and rising electricity costs. Geothermal energy is uniquely positioned because it is: Reliable and Consistent:  Provides baseload power 24/7. Environmentally Friendly:  Minimal greenhouse gas emissions and a small land footprint. Profitable:  With proper plan...

ORC and Next-Gen: Advantages and Opportunities in Design and Execution

ORC and Next-Gen: Advantages and Opportunities in Design and Execution By:  Robert Buluma In the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy, the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) stands out as a versatile and efficient technology for harnessing low-grade heat sources, particularly in geothermal applications. Unlike traditional steam-based Rankine cycles, ORC uses organic fluids with lower boiling points, enabling power generation from temperatures as low as 80-150°C. This makes it ideal for geothermal energy, waste heat recovery, and even solar thermal systems. As we push toward a net-zero future in late 2025, next-generation enhancements to ORC systems are unlocking new advantages in design and execution. These innovations address key challenges like fluctuating energy demands, resource variability, and scalability, paving the way for more reliable and cost-effective clean energy solutions. This article explores the advantages and opportunities in ORC and next-gen technologies. We'l...

7,000 Feet Deep, 338°F: The Game-Changing Sensor Revolutionizing Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Breakthrough in Geothermal Monitoring: Berkeley Lab's High-Temperature Seismometer Powers the Future of Enhanced Geothermal Systems By: Robert Buluma Image: Cape Station, Fervo Owned Geothermal Station  Geothermal energy has long been valued as a reliable, clean, and renewable source of power. It draws heat from deep within the Earth to generate electricity with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Traditional geothermal plants rely on naturally occurring hot water or steam reservoirs, which restricts development to specific volcanic or tectonically active regions. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), however, represent a game-changing evolution. EGS engineers artificial reservoirs in hot, otherwise impermeable rock formations found almost anywhere with sufficient subsurface heat. By injecting fluid under pressure to create and propagate fractures, EGS dramatically expands the geographic reach and scalability of geothermal power, offering the potential for 24/7, c...