Instead of exporting energy into South Africa, Mozambique could institute a renewable energy scheme in order to up its local electricity access and create jobs. Nairobi-based renewable energy expert Mark Hankins released a report showcasing the opportunities that Mozambique has for green energy provided that it stops fueling neighboring South Africa.
As the country prepares to build the $2 billion Mphanda Nkuwa dam on the Zambezi River, Hankins said that Mozambique could develop a domestic electricity supply system based on market-ready, clean energy options that are cost efficient, easily implementable, and geographically appropriate. Currently, 80% of the country’s population does not have access to electricity.
Hankins says there is also huge potential for cost-effective energy efficiency measures in South Africa that could greatly reduce the need for new big dams on the Southern African grid. “Right now, Mozambique is supporting wasteful electricity use south of its border. In fact, South Africa has the potential to quickly shave three to five times Mozambique’s entire consumption with energy efficiency measures. Demand-side management, primarily in South Africa, must be considered as an alternative to endless investment in megadams and coal fired power plants.”
The report also highlights the enormous potential for green biomass with five large sugar farms that could contribute considerable bagasse from sugar cane waste to biomass fired electricity. Converting sugar waste into biofuel could put another 60MW on the grid that could extend electrification to rural areas.