Mozambique replaces 6 9MWh of photovoltaic sites

Future tenders are expected to be announced in Q4 of 2023, including the selection of two independent power producers for two 30 MW solar photovoltaic power plants and one 50 MW wind power plant. But Mozambique has an enormous challenge that spreads far beyond where the national grid ends.

The first tender under the programme was the Dondo solar power plant which was won by Independent Power Producer (IPP), Total Eren (now acquired by Total Energies), with a tariff of $52.45/MWh, and is supported by Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and the French Development Agency (AFD).

The total estimated addressable market for off-grid solar is currently 173 MW, and is expected to grow in line with the growth of the aforementioned sectors. Recent energy policy reforms are also changing the game for off-grid renewables in Mozambique.

By 2030, the Government of Mozambique hope to transform this landscape, and achieve universal energy access by the end of the decade. This would require capacity to more than double to almost 6,500 MW. Solar is undeniably the most intuitive renewable technology when it comes to off-grid energy solutions.

In a new monthly column for <b>pv magazine</b>, 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.

The plant will increase Mozambique's installed capacity by 50% and generate 8.6 TWh per year, enough to power more than 3 million homes. A GREEN REVOLUTION: The country is also actively developing other renewable energy segments, such as solar and wind, which together are expected to represent 20% of domestic energy production by 2040.