Mozambique micro hydropower plants

Is small-scale hydropower a good option for rural Mozambique?

Small-scale hydropower presents some general advantages over other renewables such as solar power for rural Mozambique at locations like Chua Village. Total solar power use is at present very small but growing steadily in rural areas due to general affordability, ease of use, and simple installment [ 56 ].

What is the potential for hydropower in Mozambique?

The potential for hydropower in Mozambique has been estimated to 12–18,000 MW [ 5, 22, 23, 24 ]. More than 80% of this is located in the Zambezi River Basin. However, only ~2200 MW have been developed in a manner providing access to the national grid ( Figure 2 ).

What is the main source of energy in Mozambique?

Biomass is the main source of energy use in Mozambique (78%). The second largest energy source consumed is hydropower (13%) followed by oil products (7%). The total electricity installed in the country in 2017 was about 2428 MW, the majority of this, ~95% stem from hydropower.

What is an off-grid power system in Mozambique?

Off-grid systems such as small hydropower plants represent renewable solutions that can give cost-efficient power supply with positive developmental, social, health, and environmental performance as compared to traditional centralized power supply. Biomass is the main source of energy use in Mozambique (78%).

How much electricity does Mozambique produce?

Even though the average annual per capita consumption of electricity in Mozambique is only ~463 kWh, Mozambique produces large amounts of energy [ 6 ].

How GIZ helps Mozambique to promote rural electrification?

With the objective of promoting rural electrification through providing renewable energy to reduce dependence upon fossil fuel consumption and of reduce poverty, GIZ has developed a program for financing small hydropower plants in Manica. Thus, GIZ helps the government of Mozambique to carry out the rural electrification program.