Mozambique has taken a significant stride in harnessing the energy potential of the Zambezi River by signing an agreement with a consortium led by French power giant EDF to construct the new $5 billion Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project, according to government officials on Wednesday.
Located in Tete province along the Zambezi River, the dam and hydropower plant are slated to generate 1,500 megawatts of power in the initial phase. Mozambique Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias emphasized that this marks a pivotal move for the country to tap into the vast hydropower potential of the Zambezi River and other energy resources.
“This is the first concrete step for Mozambique to capitalize on the immense hydropower potential of the Zambezi River and the country's other energy resources,” stated Minister Zacarias.
The project aims to provide low-cost electricity to Mozambique, positioning the nation as a regional exporter of clean, renewable energy. A transmission line stretching approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) will link Tete to the capital, Maputo.
Officials anticipate the first turbine to be operational by 2031, with the signing ceremony attended by senior French and Mozambican government officials, including President Filipe Nyusi.
Mozambique's existing Cahora Bassa Dam, also situated on the Zambezi River, already supplies power to neighboring South Africa, addressing the latter's power challenges.
The winning consortium, led by EDF, includes TotalEnergies and Sumitomo Corporation. The Franco-Japanese consortium holds a majority stake of 70% in the venture, while Mozambique's power utility EDM and Hidroeléctrica da Cahora Bassa (HCB) will collectively own the remaining 30%. The partnership entails the development, construction, and operation of the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project.
