New mini-hybrid solar mini-grids will soon be built in Mozambique. A call for expressions of interest has recently been launched by the Mozambican Energy Fund (Funae) and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) for consulting firms specialising in mini-grids. These companies have until March 30 to apply.
The consultant will carry out technical and financial feasibility studies on five sites for hybrid mini-grids. Three of the sites will be located in the Zambezi province and two in the Nampula province. The facilities will increase access to electricity in rural areas through renewable energy. According to the 2018 report of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), in Mozambique only 5% of people living in rural areas have access to electricity.
The installation of the five mini-hybrid solar grids is part of Phase 2 of the Renewable Energy for Rural Development (RERD2). It is an initiative of the Government of Mozambique launched in 2018. The RERD 2 project aims to provide electricity services from renewable energy sources in rural areas, including hydropower, solar and solar hybrid. The project will run until 2023. It is financed by the Government of Mozambique with the support of the Government of Belgium.
Inès Magoum