Mozambique will be able to conduct feasibility studies for the development of a floating solar power plant in Chicamba reservoir, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) with the help of a $2.5 million grant to the Mozambican government from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
With this financing, the national electricity company of Mozambique EDM will provide financial support for technical, economic, environmental and social feasibility studies for the floating PV project to come up in the utility's existing hydro power assets and that for storage systems in up to 10 sites, along with for tender preparation. These projects are part of the country's Mozambique Renewable Energy Integration Program (MREP).
The proceeds will also be deployed to conduct studies to increase the share of variable renewable energy production in the country's energy mix.
Mozambique currently has an installed power generation capacity of 187 GW, dominated by hydro power with 81% share. However, it is increasingly affected. By severe and sudden cyclones, storms and prolonged periods of drought. It is now exploring ways to exploit the country's natural resources of gas, wind and solar energy.
"With the support of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), Mozambique's capacity to integrate larger shares of variable renewables will increase its efforts to become a major regional electricity supplier," said Director of the AfDB's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department, Dr. Daniel Schroth.
Earlier this year, EDM was looking for consultants to explore the feasibility of establishing a floating solar plant in Chicamba reservoir of 44 MW Chicamba dam in Manica province (see Mozambique: Floating Solar Consulting Tender).
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