- EDM is currently managing a project portfolio budgeted at over 700 million US dollars for energy transmission.
- EDM Director of Transmission stated that EDM is investing in key power plants, such as the Temane Power Plant in the southern province of Inhambane, with a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), which has already entered the final construction phase.
Mozambique’s publicly-owned electricity company, EDM, is currently managing a project portfolio budgeted at over 700 million US dollars for energy transmission in order to ensure industrialisation and the country’s economic growth.
According to Luís Mado, EDM Director of Transmission, interviewed by AIM, the amount is also aimed at investing in power generation plants across the country.
He revealed that, at the same time, the company is investing 50 million dollars annually to retain existing customers and ensure grid stability.
“We have several transmission and distribution projects underway that will strengthen the grid and ensure connectivity with neighbouring countries. The line to Malawi is one of the milestones we hope to complete by the end of the year”, he said.
Mado explained that in the generation sector, EDM is investing in key power plants, such as the Temane Power Plant in the southern province of Inhambane, with a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), which has already entered the final construction phase.
“The Temane Power Plant experienced some delays due to Cyclone Idai, but it has now resumed. The associated transmission line is complete, and the plant should begin injecting power into the grid soon”, he said.
According to the director, another strategic project is the Mphanda Nkuwa hydro-electric project, on the Zambezi river, in the central province of Tete, which is expected to add 1,500 MW to the national energy matrix, and will be essential for meeting growing industrial and export demand.”
“We must fight to ensure that projects like Mphanda Nkuwa become a reality in the next five to six years. Otherwise, the country could face an energy deficit”, he warned.
Mado also revealed that EDM faces difficulties in anticipating the installation of new industries, which often arrive before the electricity grid.
“Industry is installed first, and only then do we bring energy. This has to change. We need to ensure that when companies arrive, they already have electricity available”, he added.
Currently, EDM operates nine power plants, and several others are in the structuring and financing phase. The expansion of generation will have to keep pace with the growth in demand, due to rapid industrialisation and rural electrification.