Solar power generation in Mozambique grew by 6.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching 52,576 megawatt-hours (MWh), increasing, albeit still marginally, its share of the national electricity mix, according to official data cited by Lusa.
The recovery comes after electricity generation from solar parks fell by 4.6% in 2025, to 96,485 MWh, following a record 101,178 MWh in 2024. Even so, the 2025 result exceeded the Government’s target of 94,486 MWh, with solar energy still accounting for around 1% of total electricity generation in the country.
According to preliminary data from the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, the 2025 result was driven by six major solar parks operating in the country, in addition to several smaller standalone systems that are important for supplying electricity to areas outside the national grid. In the first half of this year, production increased by 3,153 MWh compared with the 49,422 MWh recorded during the same period in 2025.
The Mocuba Solar Power Plant, in Zambézia, remained the country’s largest photovoltaic facility, generating 34,031 MWh through June, equivalent to around two-thirds of national solar production. This represented a 7% increase compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Tetereane Power Plant in Cuamba, Niassa province, generated 17,807 MWh, an increase of 5.9%.
By contrast, the small solar systems in Mavago, Muembe and Mecula, in Niassa, generated less than 200 MWh each and recorded declines ranging from 9% to 25%. Overall, solar generation reached 45% of the annual target of 116,823 MWh set for 2026 by June and accounted for 0.7% of the 8.06 million MWh produced nationwide.
Despite its limited share of the electricity mix, solar energy forms part of the Government’s strategy to diversify energy sources and expand access to electricity, particularly in remote areas. Generation remains dominated by hydropower, which accounted for 81.3% of total production, at 6.55 million MWh, while thermal generation amounted to 1.45 million MWh, equivalent to 18%.
It is in this context that Canadian company JCM Power was selected at the end of August to develop the Manje Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Tete, with a capacity of 30 megawatts (MW). The award marks the company’s entry into the Mozambican market through the Renewable Energy Auction Promotion Programme (PROLER), the country’s first competitive mechanism for contracting photovoltaic solar projects.
The initiative is supported by the European Commission and the French Development Agency (AFD) and envisages the installation of around 120 MW of renewable capacity through competitive tenders. The programme dates back to 2022, when pre-qualification processes were launched for the Manje plant in Tete and the Chimbunila plant in Niassa, both with a planned capacity of 30 MW. Investors are responsible for securing financing, as well as designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the facilities.
In June, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy also launched a tender for the installation of a 30 MW solar power plant in Dondo, Sofala, reviving PROLER and strengthening the use of competitive tenders to attract private investment. Meanwhile, the Nhamatanda Solar Power Plant project, also in Sofala, is under public consultation. The project is being promoted by EDM in partnership with VBC, with an estimated investment of 69 million dollars, a capacity of 45 MW and an area of approximately 160 hectares.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/24/energia-3/producao-de-energia-solar-cresceu-mais-de-6-no-primeiro-semestre/?preview_id=546906&preview_nonce=0be6f5d641&preview=true&_thumbnail_id=535290
