Mozambique has achieved an electricity access rate of 66.9%, of which 57.9 percentage points correspond to the national grid and 9 percentage points to off-grid solutions, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy announced on Friday, 9 October. Despite the progress, the government acknowledges that significant challenges remain in achieving universal electrification by 2030.
The figures were presented during the third edition of the Biannual Off-Grid Energy Forum, held in Maputo, which brought together more than 150 representatives from government, the private sector, investors, development partners, universities and civil society, according to a statement from the Mozambican Renewable Energy Association (AMER).
At the event, the National Director of Energy, Marcelina Mataveia, highlighted progress in expanding electricity access while stressing the need to strengthen coordination among the various stakeholders involved.
Electrification of the country continues to require "a planned, coordinated and pragmatic approach", she said.
According to the data presented, 57.9% of Mozambicans have access to electricity through the national grid, while 9% rely on decentralised solutions such as home solar systems and mini-grids installed in remote areas.
Among the initiatives presented at the forum was the proposed Integrated Electrification Platform for Mozambique, developed by the Integrated Electrification Planning and Coordination Unit (UIPCE), aimed at improving planning and coordination of energy access expansion projects.
UIPCE coordinator Inocêncio Gujamo said the platform is expected to be made available before the end of this year.
The Energy Fund (FUNAE) presented the National Programme for Accelerating Electrification through Mini-Grids (PROMIR), which envisages the installation of 363 mini-grids across the country at an estimated investment of US$250 million.
Financing has already been secured for 148 of these infrastructure projects, in the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia, Tete and Niassa.
AMER president Ricardo Pereira called for guarantees on the sustainability of off-grid energy solutions, arguing that market expansion must be accompanied by "maintenance mechanisms, technical assistance and equipment management throughout their lifecycle".
He noted that close to one million home solar systems have been sold in Mozambique, many of which are approaching the end of their useful life, making equipment and battery management "a growing challenge that demands concrete responses from the sector".
Over the two days of the forum, participants discussed issues relating to home solar systems, mini-grids, financing, regulation, clean cooking, equipment sustainability and business development.
Discussions also covered a proposed carbon market regulation and the drafting of the first waste management manual for electrical and electronic equipment applicable to solar systems.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=551238
