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Mozambique Electricity generation

Background Information on Electricity Generation in Mozambique

Mozambique, a country in southeastern Africa, has considerable potential in electricity generation primarily due to its abundant natural resources. Over the years, the nation has made significant strides towards harnessing these resources to boost its electricity production capacity. Understanding the context of Mozambique's electricity generation is crucial for interpreting any chart related to this area.

Natural Resources and Energy Mix 

Mozambique's energy sector is characterized by a diverse mix of resources. The country has substantial hydropower potential, with several major rivers such as the Zambezi playing a pivotal role. The Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi River is one of Africa's largest hydroelectric plants and a key contributor to Mozambique's electricity grid. In addition to hydropower, Mozambique is endowed with coal and natural gas reserves that have increasingly been tapped for power generation.

1. Hydropower:

  • Cahora Bassa Dam: The cornerstone of hydroelectric power in Mozambique, contributing significantly to the country's electricity supply and exporting power to neighboring countries. The dam has an installed capacity of about 2,075 megawatts (MW).
  • Future Projects: Plans for additional hydroelectric projects are in progress, including the Mphanda Nkuwa Dam, which could add another 1,500 MW of capacity.

2. Fossil Fuels:

  • Natural Gas: Discoveries of vast offshore natural gas reserves have positioned Mozambique as a potential global player in the LNG market. Efforts are underway to expand the use of natural gas for domestic electricity generation. The Mozambique government aims to utilize part of the 100 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves for gas-fired power plants, with projects like the Temane power plant expected to generate 450 MW by 2024.
  • Coal: Mozambique's Tete province is rich in coal, which is also used for power generation. Current coal-fired power plants contribute approximately 300 MW to the national grid.

3. Renewable Energy:

  • Solar and Wind: Renewable energy initiatives are gaining traction, with increasing investments in solar and wind projects. Given Mozambique's extensive sunshine (around 5-6 kWh/m2/day) and favorable wind conditions (average speeds of 6 m/s in some areas), these sources are expected to play a larger role in the future energy mix. New projects are anticipated to add roughly 120 MW from solar and wind in the coming years.

4. Energy Access and Infrastructure:

Mozambique has one of the lowest electricity access rates in Africa, with rural electrification being particularly limited. As of the latest data, approximately 30-40% of the population (around 10 million people) has access to electricity, a figure that the government aims to increase to 64% by 2030 through various initiatives and investments.

  • Rural Electrification Programs: Multiple programs, often supported by international donors and development agencies, have been launched to expand the grid and promote off-grid solar solutions. These initiatives are expected to connect an additional 3 million households by 2025.
  • Grid Infrastructure: The national grid is relatively underdeveloped, and significant investments (estimated at $2 billion over the next decade) are needed to upgrade transmission and distribution networks to reduce losses, improve reliability, and support new generation capacity.

Chart: electricity generation in Mozambique

The most relevant charts for Mozambique's energy sector

Covering aspects from production and consumption to renewable energy integration, environmental impacts, and economic factors. 

Production and Consumption:

  1. Gas Production (2016):Provides an understanding of Mozambique's natural gas production capacity, essential for grasping the role of gas in the energy mix. 
  1. Electricity Generation (2022): Provides an overview of total electricity generation, helping to understand the scale of energy production in the country.
  1. Electricity Generation from Fossil Fuels (2022): Highlights the dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation and its implications for energy sustainability.


Renewable Energy and Sustainability:

  1. Hydropower Generation (2022): Important for understanding the role of hydroelectric power in Mozambique's energy mix, showcasing a significant renewable resource.
  1. Installed Solar Energy Capacity (2022): Displays the capacity of solar energy infrastructure, illustrating the level of investment and reliance on solar energy.
  1. Electricity Generation from Renewables (2022): Reflects the contribution of renewable sources to electricity production, essential for assessing the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
  1. Low-Carbon Electricity Generation per Capita (2022): Provides data on the availability of low-carbon electricity per person, signaling the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.


Environmental Impact:

  1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2022): Essential for evaluating the overall environmental impact of the energy sector and its sustainability.
  1. Per Capita CO2 Emissions (2022): Offers a measure of the population's carbon footprint from energy consumption, important for environmental impact assessments.
  1. Carbon Intensity of Electricity Generation (2022): Measures the carbon emissions per unit of electricity generated, vital for understanding the efficiency and environmental impact of the energy sector.


Economic Aspects and Policy:

  1. Energy Intensity (2021):  Measures the energy efficiency of the economy by showing the amount of energy used per unit of GDP, critical for policy-making and economic planning.
  1. Net Electricity Imports (2022): Indicates Mozambique's reliance on imported electricity, affecting energy security and policy decisions.