Mozambique - Projecten

Notwithstanding the huge amounts of energy generated by the Cahora Bassa power plant and some other minor hydro power plants, energy consumption in Mozambique relies still heavily on wood and petroleum products. In rural areas most of the energy is obtained from fuel, wood and charcoal, which are costly, inefficient and environmentally damaging. By the end of the year 2008, around 615.000 households, mostly in urban areas, had access to the electricity grid, giving an electricity access rate of 12%, significantly below the SADC Regional average of 27%. The electricity access rate in rural areas, where the population is very scattered, is less than 5%.

Grid extensions towards rural areas remain very expensive and are not economically viable. In order to increase the access to energy in rural areas, this program will focus on off-grid energy systems, based on renewable energy resources (hydro-, solar- and windpower), in remote rural areas where no grid connection is foreseen within the next five years. The utilisation of Renewable Energy is in line with Mozambique's policy on clean energy, beneficial to the environment and reducing Mozambique households' dependence on wood and fossil fuels for energy needs.

The objective of the project is to increase access to hydro, solar and wind energy for use in off-grid applications in rural areas, by investments in renewable energy systems, stimulation of micro-finance initiatives and institutional capacity building.

Activities:

In order to increase the sustainability of the renewable energy installations, the program will also provide a computerized asset management system and technical assistance focussed on capacity building through training initiatives, research and development. Three long-term international experts (two with technical and one with a socio-economical profile) are available to compliment the FUNAE staff during the implementation of the project.

Expected Results:

• Access to energy is increased by the implementation of solar, wind and hydro projects;
• Financial accessibility to energy is improved;
• Technical and administrative capacity of partner organisation Fundo de Energiea (FUNAE) is increased.