Mozambique

Globeleq’s acquisition of the 41 MW plant significantly expands its renewable energy footprint in Mozambique. It also comes just weeks after the company began commercial operations at a 19 MW solar and 7 MWh storage project in Cuamba.

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.

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

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

The five solar-plus-storage facilities will be located in Zambézia and Nampula provinces.

French independent power producer Neoen is developing the facility, which will be the Sub-Saharan nation’s largest PV plant upon completion.

The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy is tendering three solar power projects with capacity of 40 MW each. Mozambican utility Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM) is likely to be the future buyer of the renewable energy generated.

The public body responsible for expanding access to electricity is seeking consultants to prepare a tender for rural PV mini-grids.

Two PV plants are set to be built under the Project for Promotion of Auctions for Renewable Energies program, being implemented with the support of Mozambican utility Electricidade de Mocambique, which is likely to be the future off-taker of the solar energy generated.