Mozambique seeks partners for electricity line project

Gridworks, a British government investment platform focused on electrical networks, is inviting companies to build phases 2 and 3 of the Chimuara-Nacala electricity line in Mozambique. The deadline for submitting pre-selection dossiers is November 24.

Project aims to expand electricity coverage

Developed with the public electricity company Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), the project seeks to strengthen the electricity network between the center and the north of the country. It targets a turnkey EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contract.

Infrastructure details and cost

The project includes three lines totaling about 460 km and is estimated to cost 450 million dollars. It also involves electrical substations and equipment to improve network stability. The line will transport solar and hydroelectric power to the north and unlock 600 megawatts (MW) of production capacity.

Mozambique's electricity access progress

Access to electricity in Mozambique has improved, reaching about 60% in 2024 from 31% in 2018. However, access remains low in Zambézia and Nampula provinces, at 25% and 18% respectively. The Mozambique Energy National Pact aims for 100% coverage by 2030.

Private funding and international support

Gridworks describes the Chimuara-Nacala project as the first electricity transmission project in Mozambique funded by private capital. It receives support from the British International Investment (BII) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which contributes up to 4 million dollars and provides technical and financial support.

Environmental and regulatory requirements

The project requires compliance with environmental and social monitoring and management plans. The start of work will depend on completing financing, authorizations, and environmental and social studies, steps identified by the IFC as necessary before the project’s financial closure.