The Mphanda Nkuwa dam project in Mozambique is set for construction. This follows the appointment a consortium led by Électricité de France (EDF) for the development.
The consortium includes TotalEnergies and the Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation and Kansai Electric Power. The selection of the consortium was based on the evaluation of technical, economic, and financial proposals by a committee comprising various stakeholders.
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Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project
The Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project includes construction a 1,500 MW power station on the Zambezi River, located 60 km downstream of the Cahora Bassa dam. The reservoir will be situated 70 km upstream of Tete, the capital of the province with the same name. Additionally, a transmission system consisting of a 1,300 km, 550 kV high-voltage direct current line will be built between Cataxia and Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
The total investment required for the project is estimated to be US $4.5 billion. It’s worth noting that the project has faced some criticism due to its potential environmental and social impact. However, it has received support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector financing arm of the World Bank Group. Works is expected to commence in 2024.
According to Carlos Yum, the Director of the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project Implementation Office (GMNK), the AfDB will ensure that international environmental, social and governance standards are respected. It will also ensure that associated standards are met during development, and that the project is attractive to developers, financiers and reputable investors to ensure competitive and low-cost energy for Mozambique and Southern Africa.
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