The Cuamba and Mocuba solar plants, located in the provinces of Niassa and Zambézia, are helping reduce electricity transmission losses in the national grid operated by Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), by bringing power generation closer to consumption areas and reducing the need to transport electricity over long distances, according to the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM).
The information was shared by GLOBELEC’s Managing Director in Mozambique, Samir Salé, who highlighted the strategic impact of the two facilities on the stability of the national energy system, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country.
According to the executive, the existence of the Cuamba solar plant significantly reduces the technical losses associated with transmitting electricity to Niassa province, a region that previously depended largely on electricity supplied from other parts of the country.
“EDM, by having that plant there, reduces transmission losses caused by distance,” said Samir Salé.
The executive explained that, before the infrastructure became operational, electricity had to travel hundreds of kilometres before reaching end consumers, increasing technical losses during transmission.
In Mocuba, in Zambézia province, the situation is similar. According to GLOBELEC, local production reduces dependence on electricity transmitted from the central corridor and hydroelectric plants in the central region, also helping lower operational costs for the national grid.
“It reduces the need to transport electricity over long distances and decreases transmission losses on EDM’s side,” Samir Salé reinforced.
The two solar plants have been operational since 2019 and were acquired by GLOBELEC in December 2023. They currently inject 48 megawatts into the national power grid managed by EDM. The Cuamba plant has a production capacity of 15 megawatts, while the Mocuba facility supplies 33 megawatts.
According to the company, besides strengthening energy supply in their respective regions, both infrastructures play an important role in improving the operational efficiency of the national electricity transmission network.
At the same time, GLOBELEC is preparing new investments in Mozambique’s renewable energy sector. Among the main projects under development is the Namaacha wind farm, in Maputo province, with an expected capacity of 120 megawatts.
The project is being developed in partnership with EDM and the Mozambican company Source Energia. Total investment is estimated at around 260 million dollars, with construction expected to begin in 2027, following the project’s financial close.
In addition to expanding renewable energy, the company is also seeking to complete the Temane Thermal Power Plant, in Inhambane province, considered one of the country’s main ongoing energy projects.
Source: Diário Económico
