Mozambique secures loan to explore solar PV, energy storage

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a grant to WHN Solar, for a feasibility study to assess the viability of a solar photovoltaic (PV) plant of up to 100MW in Mozambique.

The grant was signed off last Friday by Ambassador Dean Pittman, U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique, on behalf of USTDA along with the CEO of WHN Solar, Ntanzi Carrilho at a ceremony in Maputo.

WHN Solar selected HDR International, a multidisciplinary engineering, environmental, and consulting firm, to conduct the feasibility study.

The study supports the development of the Mozambican grid in the Nacala region, which suffers from a lack of sufficient generation capacity and stability issues.

The energy storage component of the project can help stabilise the grid. Read more: EDM to install transmission lines in Maputo

Energy storage facility

The plant is planned to be developed in increments of 20Mw to 40MW and includes an associated energy storage facility located on the property of Nacala International Airport in Nampula Province in northeastern of the country.

“USTDA is pleased to support this important project that will help diversify Mozambique’s energy generation mix,” said Paul Marin, USTDA’s acting regional director for sub-Saharan Africa. “At the same time, the project represents business opportunities for U.S. companies in a key sector in Mozambique.”

“We wish to thank USTDA for its contribution to the development of this pioneering project,” said Carrilho.

“With USTDA’s support, we hope to improve the quality and security of power supply in the region, with a positive impact on local communities.”