This is an area in which Mozambique has made its way successfully in terms of its commitment to renewable energies and the transformation of the national energy matrix, whose dependence on foreign sources of primary energy, despite having decreased, is still high.
The decarbonisation of the national energy system – with an unquestionable commitment to renewable energy with storage solutions and the end of electricity production from coal – must continue. Investment in renewable energies should therefore continue, particularly in solar energy, both through new solar capacity auctions, including storage, and by investing in self-consumption and energy communities. This is a way of not only boosting the economy, but also combating energy poverty among the most vulnerable families. It should be noted that the solar industry is very resource-intensive and generates jobs, especially in assembly, installation and maintenance components.
In this transition, promoting competitiveness means reducing companies’ energy costs and managing resources more efficiently. To this end, reducing energy consumption is the main focus for energy efficiency. On the other hand, it is essential to continue with the electrification of the economy, guaranteeing competitive electricity prices, and with the increasing incorporation of renewable sources, including renewable gases, which will allow fossil fuels to be abandoned. For this to happen, it is essential that the right signals are given to the economy, discriminating positively against more sustainable behaviour and promoting the necessary investments.
In this context, the Economic Recovery Plan should consider the following initiatives: dynamising energy networks, investing in renewable energies, supporting self-consumption and, for renewable energy communities, accelerating the electrification of the economy by guaranteeing competitive electricity prices.
In order to achieve the goals of carbon neutrality, while guaranteeing a just and cohesive transition and ensuring social well-being for all, the regulatory, social and market context must give the right signals to citizens and companies to activate their contribution to this goal.
