MOZAMBIQUE – Belgian development agency Enabel, has issued a tender for the design, procurement and construction of five minigrid in Zambézia and Nampula provinces in Mozambique.
The solar power plants have an expected generational capacity ranging in size from 75 to 230kWp.
According to Power Africa, despite the huge potential for renewable resources, Mozambique mostly gets its electricity from hydropower with 2,184MW of hydroelectric power and 643MW from thermal generation.
Enabel has been working with Mozambique’s Ministry of Mineral Resource and Energy to increase access to energy in rural areas by investing in renewable energy systems.
Lots 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the planned solar-powered minigrids are expected to be pre-assembled containerised solutions in one or more sea containers while lot 4 may be based on the standard approach for Mozambique, which is buildings in masonry.
All lots should include a battery energy storage system as well as a diesel generator and water supply system to guarantee the cleaning operations of the power systems.
A training schedule of the plant operators is also expected to be established.
For lots 1, 2, 3 and 5 the contractor is expected to complete the works within 1 year of commencement of work while for lot 4, the contractor is expected to complete the work within 425 days from date of commencement of work.
Expressions of interest of each candidate will be evaluated in the first phase and the selected candidates will be invited to submit a proposal based on tender documents that will be sent to them during the Call for Tenders phase.
Enabel currently implements energy projects in Rwanda, Mozambique and DR Congo. It also support the education, health and agriculture sectors in the aforementioned countries.
According to Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Africa Hub, in Mozambique, the overall electricity access rate is estimated below 30% as of 2018, with around 5% of the rural population having access to energy.
In November 2018, the Government of Mozambique launched the National Energy for All Programme to advance the country towards achieving SDG7 by 2030. The programme will be implemented with financial support from the World Bank.
The programme focuses on grid expansion and densification but also acknowledges the role of off-grid, renewable energy-based solutions (such as solar home system and RE-based mini-grids) for reaching the most remote areas and populations.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
