With the COP28 summit on the horizon, Mozambique is ramping up efforts to thrust its massive Mphanda Nkuwa hydro scheme into the global spotlight.
The country is banking on the multi-billion-dollar project on the mighty Zambezi to catalyse its windening energy transition while driving regional integration.
Billed as the centrepiece of Mozambique’s renewable energy roadmap crystallized under its National Energy Strategy, the planned 1,500MW Mphanda Nkuwa development carries great expectations. Beyond augmenting domestic capacity, the scheme is envisaged as a springboard for establishing Mozambique as a major clean power exporter in southern Africa.
Unveiling plans for a high-level event at COP28, Mozambique’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy contends the plant can fast-track national and regional decarbonization objectives through affordable, flexible hydropower.
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Save the date – COP 28
With financing talks ongoing, the Ministry’s Mphanda Nkuwa Implementation Office has tapped an international industry body to spearhead discussions in an event during COP 28 around surmounting technical and socio-economic barriers to large hydro rollout. Government officials are also likely to spotlight associated transmission infrastructure critical to evacuating power from the main plant and other projects to energy-hungry neighbours.
“Mozambique is in a unique situation in which in less than 10 Years it can deliver 3,500MW of firm, clean energy at the lowest cost, attractive for green industrialization, exports and to accomplish sustainable universal access,” the event’s concept note reads.
The high-level panel to discuss large hydro projects including Mphanda Nkuwa and their role on energy transition, will take place at COP 28’s Mozambique pavilion next Tuesday December 5th at 13:00 UAE.
Leveraging Its Hydro Endowment
Mozambique is keen that it can leverage immense but largely untapped hydro resources to simultaneously address multiple policy priorities. With an estimated 19,000MW of hydro potential centred around its sprawling river network, the country has set a goal for hydro to account for over half its generation mix by 2030.
This aligns with parallel aims to spur industrial growth through competitively priced renewable energy while using low cost, low carbon power exports to cement its standing as Southern Africa’s green power hub.
Officials contend reviving hydro development – anchored by Mphanda Nkuwa’s envisaged 1500MW initial phase online in 2031 – will be instrumental on all counts. Considerable solar, wind and biomass resources notwithstanding, hydro’s scalability and storage capabilities make it especially suitable for baseload generation and industrial use.
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With the project’s environmental and social impact assessments nearing completion, the elephant in the room remains financing. But policymakers will be hoping to make headway engaging development finance institutions at COP28.
Beyond the numbers, the summit offers an ideal platform to urge wealthy industrialized nations to increase technology transfer and technical support. This will be vital for countries like Mozambique seeking to translate abundant renewables potential into viable projects delivering energy access and economic dividends.
