Mozambique has begun construction of gas-to-power plant and transmission line projects worth $1bn in the southern province of Inhambane as the government aims to boost energy supply. The projects are being financed in partnership with the World Bank, alongside the US, Norway, African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Bank and The OPEC Fund for International Development, according to statements from the World Bank and the US embassy.
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi speaking at the launch of the projects said that
“Today we mark a milestone in the framework of this endeavour to illuminate Mozambique. Our governance aspires that more than 10-million Mozambicans will have access to electricity for the first time in their homes by 2024,”
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Upon completion, the gas-to-power Temane Thermal Power Plant will have a capacity of 450MW.
“Today, we are witnessing the exceptional beginning of a vision that aims to provide energy for all Mozambicans: this is a transformative project for the country,” the representative of the World Bank in Mozambique, Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, said during the launch.
Globeleq is the lead developer along with its partners EDM, Sasol Africa and eleQtra. Mike Scholey, CEO of Globeleq, said in December: “The Temane initiative is an absolute regional game-changer. It will ensure a reliable and affordable power supply — crucial elements for economic and social development. [It] will provide electricity access to millions of people in the region.”
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US ambassador to Mozambique Dennis Hearne said the US was supporting the Temane project through a $200m direct loan for its construction via the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
“In addition, thanks to the support of the US government’s signature Power Africa programme, we are providing a “transaction adviser” assigned to EDM (Mozambique power utility Eletricidade de Moçambique) to help bring the critical Temane Transmission Line Project to financial close,” said Hearne.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry