Mozambique argues that the global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, set for 2050, should be adapted to the specific contexts and challenges of developing countries. This position was presented by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, António Saíde, during a congress held in Italy, where the ‘nuances’ of the global energy transition were discussed.
According to the newspaper Noticias, António Saíde, speaking on a high-level panel, emphasised the importance of implementing concerted international action to reduce emissions of environmentally harmful gases, in line with the 2021 Paris Agreement. However, he argued that the global targets must be “realistic”, considering the current economic difficulties and the development needs of African countries such as Mozambique.
António Saíde emphasised that the challenges to be overcome include access to climate finance, human resource training and technology transfer, which are fundamental elements if developing countries are to achieve their energy targets. “Access to finance can meet domestic energy needs and consolidate the country’s position as a producer and supplier of green energy in the southern African region,” he said.
According to the information, Mozambique has significant energy potential, estimated at 18 Gigawatts (GW) of hydroelectric sources, 185 Tcf of natural gas, 25 billion tonnes of coal reserves, 23,000 GW of solar energy and 5.6 GW of wind energy. In addition, green energy projects with a capacity of 100MWp are underway, including Mphanda Nkuwa, Boroma and Lupata, as well as the construction of small-scale floating photovoltaic plants to supply energy to communities living on several of the country’s islands.
During the Milan congress, Mozambique reaffirmed its role as a facilitator in the global energy transition through gas, positioning itself as an energy generation centre in the southern African region and driving its own energy transition. In addition, government representatives met behind closed doors with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss financing and the transition to green energies.
The panel also included the ministers of mineral resources from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Ghana, who discussed strategies to promote an inclusive energy transition adapted to the realities of developing countries.
