A Mozambican private group will invest $110 million in a 95 MW solar power plant in Gaza province, aiming to enhance the public grid. Collaborating with state-owned EDM, the project will build infrastructure to increase solar energy production, which has grown yet remains under 1% of total electricity. Mozambique plans further solar and wind projects by 2030, targeting 1,000 MW capacity to significantly boost renewable energy output.
A private Mozambican organization intends to invest approximately $110 million in a solar power plant located in Gaza province, southern Mozambique. This initiative, known as the Chibuto Solar Power Plant, will boast an installed capacity of 95 MW, realized through a collaboration between Sal Energia and the state-owned Elétrica de Mozambique (EDM) to improve the public grid’s reliability. The project will occupy 211 hectares in Chibuto Sede and entails constructing a 275KV transmission line extending about 10 kilometers to the Chibuto substation.
Although electricity generation via solar parks in Mozambique surged by 18.6% in 2024, it still accounts for less than 1% of the country’s total production. According to the budget execution report, solar production from the country’s large and smaller parks surpassed 101,247 MegaWatt-hours (MWh) in the year, an increase from 85,343 MWh in 2023. However, the government did not meet its ambitious target of 138,808 MWh set for last year.
Despite the increase in solar energy generation, solar parks contributed only 0.5% to Mozambique’s total electricity output, primarily dominated by hydroelectric facilities that generated 83.8% of electricity, mainly from the Cahora-Bassa Hydroelectric Plant.
Mozambique intends to embark on solar energy projects in at least five regions by 2030, targeting a total capacity of 1,000 MW, signifying a movement towards a substantial solar transition. The Energy Transition Strategy indicates that boosting such projects at a larger scale is crucial for resolving Mozambique’s energy needs post-2030, balancing energy exports with industrial supply.
The updated strategy envisions an investment of approximately $80 billion by 2050 to facilitate the advancement of at least 1,000 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity in locations like Dondo and Lichinga, alongside 200 to 500 MW of onshore wind power, specifically in Inhambane.
Encouraging major industrial players to pursue substantial solar and wind projects in a conducive business environment is vital. By 2050, Mozambique aims to achieve a minimum of 7.5 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and up to 2.5 GW of wind capacity. Leveraging the Renewable Energy Auction Programme will essentialize competition in renewable energy contracts to optimize pricing and expedite capacity expansion, driven by examples of successful regional solar initiatives in South Africa.
In summary, Mozambique’s commitment to investing $110 million in the Chibuto Solar Power Plant reflects significant strides toward enhancing its renewable energy capacity. The collaboration between Sal Energia and EDM signifies a proactive approach to energy production, aiming for substantial increases in solar and wind energy. The strategies outlined are designed to meet growing electricity demands sustainably while fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth in the renewable sector, echoing a future where a solar revolution could transform the energy landscape in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
