Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), one of the main independent energy producers in southern Africa, recorded a 6.2 per cent increase in energy sales in the first half of 2024. From January to June, sales totalled 7,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh), 3.5% more than the target set for the period and the results for the same period in 2023.
According to HCB’s half-yearly report, consulted by Diário Económico this Thursday (15), the comparative graph between 2023-24 reveals a consistent performance with notable growth in energy sales over the months. The months of April and May stand out for their superior performance compared to the previous year. In April, sales totalled 1307 GWh, compared to 1059 GWh in the same month of 2023.
In May, sales totalled 1347 GWh, surpassing the 1255 GWh recorded in the previous year.
The report predicts that if current production and sales levels are maintained, annual sales will reach 1,257 GWh, representing a slight decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to 2023 and 1.1 per cent lower than planned for this year.
The document highlights the importance of continuing to invest in operational improvements and technological innovations to maximise efficiency and sales capacity.
In addition, the report mentions a 4.77 per cent increase in energy production in the first half of 2024. ‘From January to June, production totalled 8396 GWh, surpassing by 3.44% the target set for the period and the results for the same period in 2023.’
Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) has been the company of the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric complex since 1975. It produces, transports and sells electricity to Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
The state owns 90 per cent of HCB’s share capital, while the Portuguese company Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) owns 7.5 per cent and Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) has 2.5 per cent.
The Cahora Bassa reservoir is the fourth largest in Africa, with a maximum length of 270 kilometres and a width of 30 kilometres, occupying 2,700 square kilometres and an average depth of 26 metres.
Felisberto Ruco (DE)
