- Ncondezi Energy has revealed that it has gotten approval to commence studies into the connection of its proposed 300 MW solar PV project in Mozambique.
- Approval gives Ncondezi the capacity to identify technical solutions to deliver and connect the project in two phases.
Ncondezi Energy, also known as the African Power Development Company, has revealed that it has gotten approval to commence studies into the connection of its proposed 300 MW solar PV project with a battery energy storage system in Mozambique.
Sate-owned vertically integrated energy group. Electricidade de Mocambique (EDM) gave the approval for the Transmission Integration Study. The group revealed that capacity to upload 300 MW into the Mozambican grid and the wider southern African region exists, giving Ncondezi the capacity to identify technical solutions to deliver and connect the project in two phases.
The first phase is aimed at a lower-cost solution that maximises existing infrastructure for the installation of 100 MW. Then the second phase follows, adding 200 MW, as revealed by the company in a bourse filing.
The approval by EDM gives Ncondezi the right to approach transmission infrastructure owners and seek access. Hanno Pengilly, CEO of Ncondezi, stated that the company expects to receive updates on access discussions by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
“Approval of the Solar Project Transmission Integration Study represents a key development milestone in de-risking the project for potential power off-takers and investors. We have an approved transmission evacuation technical solution that supports the project at various sizes up to 300MW, optimised in phases to reduce upfront CAPEX, particularly for the first 100MW,” Pengilly said.
The recent milestone comes just days after Ncondezi secured exclusive land rights at the preferred site in Tete province to set up the planned power plant.
“The Solar Project remains regionally strategic given its location within the Mozambique northern grid and proximity to critical cross border interconnectors including South Africa, Zimbabwe and, in the coming years, Malawi,” added Pengilly.