A consortium comprising of EDF, TotalEnergies and Sumitomo Corporation, has been named strategic partner by the Government of Mozambique for the development of the Mphanda Nkuwa hydropower project (MNK)
In doing so, the consortium has also entered into a joint development agreement for the project which, located on the Zambezi River, could potentially produce 1,500MW and increase the country’s available electricity production capacity by more than 50%. This, the consortium has stated, could power more than three million households in Mozambique and the surrounding region.
Mike Sangster, SVP Africa and Vincent Stoquart, SVP Renewables at TotalEnergies, said, “TotalEnergies is delighted to be able to expand its presence in Mozambique beyond the Mozambique LNG project with a large investment in renewable energy, which will benefit to the people of Mozambique. It is a new example of TotalEnergies’s ability to implement its multi-energy strategy in oil & gas countries to support them in their energy transition.”
As per the announcement, the consortium has signed:
• A joint development agreement with the Gabinete de Implementação do Projecto Hidroeléctrico de Mphanda Nkuwa (GMNK), Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB). EDM and HCB will own 30% of the project while the consortium will own 70% of it.
• A framework agreement with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME), paving the way for the future concession agreement.
“We are looking forward to contributing to Mphanda Nkuwa project which is a great opportunity to bring our technical expertise in hydropower and our strong environmental and social commitment in favor of local communities and biodiversity. This project will significantly enhance the access to electricity in the region and is fully in line with EDF’s ambition to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions that drive economic development,” remarked Béatrice Buffon EDF group senior executive vice-president, International Division.
Each member of the consortium will contribute towards the project. EDF will leverage its extensive hydropower experience and reputable technical expertise, Sumitomo’s experiences in financing strategic IPP projects, and TotalEnergies’ know-how in developing large and complex integrated energy projects worldwide. With the signing complete, focus will now turn to performing additional studies
Koichi Taniguchi, corporate officer, general manager, Global Power Infrastructure Business Division, commented, “We are pleased to get involved the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydropower Project. This project will contribute to the increase of access to electricity around the regions as well as becoming a green energy hub in southern African countries. Sumitomo Corporation focuses on achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. In order to achieve this target and contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society, Sumitomo Corporation will further endeavour to be part of renewable energy projects.”
