- Mozambique is negotiating an increase in the guaranteed supply of electricity from the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Power Station (HCB) from the current 300 to 500 MW
- The aim is to ensure a better offer of service without jeopardising the sustainability of the enterprise.
- The move could also increase HCB’s contribution to Mozambique’s energy balance from 20 to 34 percent, increasing the ability to expand access to electricity to more regions of the country
The government is currently discussing the terms of this increase with South African authorities, following up on the deliberations of the bilateral commission on the matter according local news agent Noticias
According to information provided by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Max Tonela, the increase in the availability of electricity produced at HCB may result in a reduction in the price at which Mozambique Electricity (EDM) purchases energy from HCB.
The move could increase HCB’s contribution to Mozambique’s energy balance from 20 to 34 percent, increasing the ability to expand access to electricity to more regions of the country through the National Electricity ‘Energy for All’ programme, which aims to bring electricity to all Mozambicans by 2030.
Following the proclamation of national independence, the Mozambican state negotiated a gradual increase in the allocation of energy from HCB for consumption in Mozambique to the current 300 MW of firm power, and also established the basis for subsequent increases, while keeping South Africa as the main final consumer, with rights to 80 per cent of production
Max Tonela explained that the increase in energy availability for Mozambique is expected to continue beyond the 200 MW currently under discussion until 2029 at the end of the contract with Eskom, a South African energy distribution company, and the government of South Africa.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy recalled that HCB was conceived and developed to provide energy exclusively to South Africa, long before independence, and noted the existence of a long-term contract with the South Africans, which would have to be taken into account in the discussions on the allocation of additional power to Mozambique.
HCB has an installed capacity of 2075 MW, of which 1460 MW are ‘firm’ (guaranteed). Currently, the maximum consumption in Mozambique, excluding Mozal, is around 950 MW, for a total of 1.9 million customers.
The demand for electricity in Mozambique is currently satisfied by a combination of EDM’s own production sources and supply from HCB and private producers
Author: GBA News Desk
Source: Noticias
