A private Mozambican group plans to invest $110 million in a solar power plant in Gaza province, with a capacity of 95 MW. Collaborating with Electricidade de Moçambique, the project aims to bolster the public grid and features a 10 km transmission line. The government aims for over 1,000 MW of solar energy by 2030, seeking to balance green energy export with local industrial demand.
A private group in Mozambique has announced an investment of $110 million in a solar power plant located in Gaza province. This investment is a collaborative effort between Sal Energia and the state-owned Electricidade de Moçambique, aimed at enhancing the public grid’s capacity with the Chibuto Solar Power Plant, which will feature a capacity of 95 MW on a 211-hectare site. The project will also construct a 10-kilometer, 275 kV transmission line connecting the solar facility to the Chibuto substation.
In 2024, electricity production from solar parks in Mozambique saw an increase of 18.6%, though it still constituted less than 1% of the total electricity production. The output from the country’s five large solar parks and smaller installations surpassed 101,247 MegaWatt-hours in that year, which is an increase compared to 85,343 MWh in 2023. Despite these gains, the government’s target of 138,808 MWh for solar energy production was not achieved, with hydroelectric plants dominating the energy landscape.
Mozambique has ambitious plans to expand its solar energy initiatives, targeting over 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030 across five regions. This strategy aims to navigate the country’s energy dilemma post-2030, balancing the needs for exporting green energy and meeting the demands of industrial consumers. It has been noted that Mozambique has already connected 80 MW of its previously planned 125 MW solar projects to the grid.
The Energy Transition Strategy outlines a vision for Mozambique to develop approximately 1,000 MW of solar and between 200 to 500 MW of wind capacity by 2030, with broader goals to reach at least 7.5 GW of solar and 2.5 GW of wind power by 2050. The strategy advocates for creating a conducive environment for large industrial investors to develop solar and wind projects by leveraging competitive renewable energy auctions.
The success of solar expansion in South Africa, attributed to the introduction of auction systems, serves as a model for Mozambique’s future energy initiatives. The continued development of renewable energy is essential for meeting the rising electricity demand and realizing a comprehensive solar revolution in Mozambique.
The investment of $110 million by a private group in Mozambique marks a significant step towards enhancing the country’s solar energy capacity. Despite recent progress, the nation still faces challenges in meeting its electricity production goals, primarily dominated by hydroelectric energy. However, with a clear strategy aiming for substantial solar and wind energy capacity by 2030 and 2050, Mozambique is poised for a transformative energy landscape that could balance domestic needs and export potential.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
