Globeleq along with project partners Source Energia and Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) have started the construction of the 19 MWp (15 MWac) Cuamba Solar PV plant which will also have a 2 MW (7 MWh) energy storage system. The project is located in the Tetereane District of the city of Cuamba, Niassa province, about 550 kms west of the coastal town Nacala. Power will be sold to EDM through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
This project will have an estimated investment of $32 million. It is expected to receive $19 million of debt funding from The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund which is a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). In addition, the project will also receive grant funding to the tune of $7 million from PIDG’s Viability Gap Funding grant facility along with a $1 million grant from CDC Plus.
The Spanish company, TSK, is carrying out the project EPC. Meanwhile, Globeleq supported by Source Energia will oversee the construction and operations of the power plant. These two companies are also working together to implement one of the first wind projects in Mozambique located near the town of Namaacha 40 km west of Maputo.
Jonathan Hoffman, Globeleq’s Chief Development Officer commented: “This project is a trailblazer for future utility-scale energy storage in Mozambique and the region. Cuamba Solar, along with all our energy projects we are working on, cements our ongoing commitment to contribute to the long-term energy security and development of the country on a low carbon pathway.”