Mozambique

Mozambique government troops have grappled with an insurgency since 2017. Although this national security matter could deter foreign development and investment, the presence of independent power producers currently working in the region prove some companies do not deem it a risk, according to the head of the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).

Globeleq says that commercial operations have started for what is said to be Mozambique’s first combined utility-scale solar and energy storage plant, in the district of Cuamba.

In a new monthly column for pv magazine, SolarPower Europe describes how Mozambique may take full advantage of its huge solar potential by implementing its recently launched Renewable Energy Auctions Programme for large-scale projects, while also pushing for more off-grid renewables in remote areas.

Ncondezi Energy has secured land for a 300 MW solar-plus-storage project in Mozambique. It has also signed an agreement with India’s Synergy Consulting for support in securing debt financing.

The government of Mozambique aims to develop two 30 MW projects in northern and west-central regions of the country.

Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) will obtain $2.5 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to fund studies into floating solar and battery systems.

Solarcentury will develop the 100 MWac Chimuara Solar Project, starting with a 30 MW ac first stage.

The International Renewable Energy Agency’s latest annual report on the progress towards UN sustainable development goal seven estimates 670 million people will still lack electricity in 2030, and more than 2 billion will be reliant on unhealthy, polluting cooking methods.

The floating array is planned for a water reservoir in Chicamba, in Manica province. Consultants are now being sought for the feasibility studies.

Anglo-Norwegian public funding body Globeleq has said the 19 MWp/2MW-7 MWh Cuamba project will be supplying electricity during the second half of next year.