GL Africa Energy has finalised a concession agreement with the Government of Mozambique to finance and operate a 250MW LNG power plant in Nacala District, Nampula Province in northern Mozambique. The agreement was signed yesterday in Maputo by Minster of Mineral Resources and Energy, Ernesto Max Elias Tonela and Michael Kearns, Director of GL Africa Energy.
The deal signals the start of a three-part phased investment totalling $400 million. An initial $90 million will create 50MW capacity within 16 months. The second and third phases will add 200MW in total and will be completed within 24 months. It heralds one of the largest energy infrastructure projects within Mozambique in the last decade.
GL Energy Moçambique, the special purpose vehicle and a subsidiary of GL Africa Energy, will build and operate the plant upon its completion. The project will be funded by 70% debt and 30% equity. The terms of the project and concession agreement received requisite approval by the Mozambican Cabinet on 7 October, 2021 before being officially signed today.
The deal represents GL Africa Energy’s largest investment in a power plant to date, adding to its existing operations in eight countries across the Great Lakes and Southern Africa regions. It is structured as a 30-year Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).
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EDM (Electricidade de Moçambique) holds the initial public interest of the project and will be the principle purchaser of the electricity generated. This project is a key pillar of the Mozambique Government’s Gas Monetization Strategy and by utilising the Rovuma Gas, will be instrumental in further reducing the cost of energy.
The LNG Power Plant will transform the energy landscape for the entire region. Excess supply from the new Nacala facility will be exported to other markets through the South African Power Pool (SAPP).
Domestically, the plant will bring electricity to over half a million people. The company also hopes this investment will support the country’s plan to turn the region into a viable trading hub. Over 300 workers will be employed during construction.
GL Africa Energy views this Nacala project as a breakthrough moment for Mozambique. Its LNG solution provides an almost instant bridge fuel throughout the next two decades, reducing reliance on more polluting HFO, diesel and coal. LNG is set to play a crucial role in the transition towards renewables for the country and the region, enabling a higher penetration of renewables into the energy mix in the long term. This strategy is part of GL Africa Energy’s ambition to generate 1000MW across the continent by 2025.
