01Project overview & context
Overview
Project summary
SgurrEnergy delivered multidisciplinary detailed design engineering for RIC Energy’s 20 MW / 30 MWh utility-scale battery energy storage system in Malawi. The scope covered civil, structural and electrical engineering, PCS integration, auxiliary systems, control systems, balance-of-plant infrastructure and evacuation at 33 kV. SgurrEnergy also supported technical studies, vendor evaluation, compliance review, construction coordination and commissioning interfaces.
Project context
The 20 MW / 30 MWh standalone BESS was developed as part of Malawi’s energy transition and grid-strengthening programme. The facility required integration of battery units, power-conversion systems, auxiliary and control systems, civil infrastructure and a 33 kV evacuation interface. The assignment demanded coordinated engineering across equipment suppliers, the national utility and international development partners.
Client objectives
- Develop an integrated, construction-ready BESS design.
- Coordinate battery, PCS, auxiliary, control and grid interfaces.
- Demonstrate compliance with project requirements and applicable grid codes.
- Support vendor evaluation, construction and commissioning.
- Strengthen grid reliability and renewable-energy integration.
Key challenges & considerations
First-of-a-Kind National Project
A first standalone utility-scale BESS requires careful definition of design criteria, interfaces and operating philosophy.
Multisystem Integration
Battery, PCS, auxiliary, fire and safety, control, civil and 33 kV systems must operate as one coordinated facility.
Stakeholder Coordination
Utility, development-partner, vendor and project-team requirements need disciplined technical alignment.
02Engineering scope & delivery
Role & engineering approach
Independent engineering role
SgurrEnergy’s role
SgurrEnergy acted as the Detailed Design Engineering consultant for the 20 MW / 30 MWh Battery Energy Storage System project in Malawi. The team coordinated the relevant engineering disciplines, technical interfaces, studies, design documentation and stakeholder inputs across the assignment lifecycle. The role was structured to improve technical clarity, compliance, constructability and traceable closure of design matters.
Our engineering approach
SgurrEnergy applied a multidisciplinary, interface-led approach based on a common design basis, defined review gates and traceable technical closure. Engineering inputs were assessed not only within individual disciplines but also for their effects on adjacent systems, constructability, procurement and grid integration. Technical comments and risks were prioritised, assigned and closed through structured coordination with the client and relevant project stakeholders.
Scope of services & deliverables
Scope of services delivered
- Civil, structural and electrical detailed engineering.
- Battery and PCS integration.
- Auxiliary, control and site-infrastructure engineering.
- 33 kV evacuation-system design.
- Protection, earthing, equipment sizing and electrical layouts.
- Technical studies, vendor evaluation, construction and commissioning support.
Principal deliverables
- Design-basis documentation and single-line diagrams.
- BESS-integration and electrical-layout packages.
- Protection, earthing and equipment-sizing calculations.
- Civil, structural and balance-of-plant drawings.
- Technical specifications and vendor evaluations.
- Technical coordination and commissioning-support records.
Project configuration
- 20 MW power rating and 30 MWh energy capacity.
- Standalone utility-scale BESS.
- 33 kV evacuation voltage.
- Integrated PCS, auxiliary and control systems.
03Value & outcome
Renewable Integration
Enabled increased renewable-energy integration by reducing curtailment.
Grid Reliability
Strengthened grid reliability and reduced dependence on diesel backup generation.
Energy Access
Supported improved energy access.
Project outcome
The assignment provided RIC Energy with coordinated engineering and technical-review outputs for the 20 MW / 30 MWh project. SgurrEnergy’s work strengthened design clarity, interface management and implementation readiness while supporting informed decisions across the relevant project stages.
Why SgurrEnergy
- Independent engineering judgement, separate from EPC, OEM and equipment-supply interests.
- In-house multidisciplinary renewable-energy engineering capability.
- Structured technical governance, interface management and comment closure.
- Experience connecting design decisions with constructability, grid compliance and lifecycle performance.