Mozambique: Private Investment in Solar Power to Boost Energy Capacity
Mozambique plans a US$110 million solar power plant in Gaza province, enhancing electricity capacity through a partnership between Sal Energia and Elétrica de Mozambique. The 95 MW facility aims to contribute to the nation’s energy needs amid a strategic push for renewable energy development, with targets set for significant capacity growth by 2030.
A private Mozambican group has announced its plan to invest US$110 million in a solar power plant located in Gaza province, Mozambique. This investment is part of an effort to enhance the public electricity grid’s capacity. The Chibuto Solar Power Plant, developed in partnership with the state-owned Elétrica de Mozambique (EDM), will have an installed capacity of 95 MW across an area of 211 hectares in Chibuto Sede.
In addition to the solar plant, the project includes constructing a 275KV transmission line, approximately 10 kilometers long, connecting the solar facility to the Chibuto substation. Despite an 18.6% increase in electricity production through solar parks in 2024, solar energy still constitutes less than 1% of Mozambique’s total electricity output, with hydroelectric plants dominating production.
The government previously aimed to produce 138,808 MWh through solar parks but did not achieve this goal. Future projections indicate that Mozambique intends to implement solar power projects across five regions by 2030, targeting an impressive 1,000 MW of electricity production as part of a larger strategy for energy development.
The Energy Transition Strategy (ETS) highlights the urgent need for large-scale solar and wind energy projects as Mozambique faces a strategic decision between exporting green energy or supplying energy to industrial consumers post-2030. The government envisions a total investment of approximately US$80 billion by 2050, which aspires for the installation of at least 7.5 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 2.5 GW of wind power capacity by that time, fostering significant industrial investment in green energy.
In conclusion, Mozambique is on the path to significantly enhance its solar energy capabilities with a planned investment of US$110 million in the Chibuto Solar Power Plant. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to boost renewable energy production in response to increasing demand. The commitment to expand solar and wind capacity by 2030 and beyond showcases Mozambique’s aim for a sustainable energy future while addressing its energy consumption challenges.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
