en

Mozambique Energy Mix

Powering Mozambique: A Deep Dive into the Nation's Energy Mix

The Big Picture: Mozambique's Energy Mix

Mozambique's energy mix can be viewed in two ways: the total energy consumption (including household, industrial, and transport uses) and the electricity generation mix (powering homes, businesses, and industries). The total energy mix is dominated by traditional biomass, while electricity generation relies heavily on hydropower, with smaller contributions from fossil fuels and renewables like solar.

Biomass: The Backbone of Rural Energy

In Mozambique, traditional biomass—think wood, charcoal, and agricultural residues—is the lifeblood of energy for millions, especially in rural areas. It accounts for roughly 65% of the nation's total energy consumption (Enerdata). For the 62% of Mozambicans living outside cities, where electricity access is as low as 5% in rural areas, biomass is the go-to for cooking and heating.

While biomass meets immediate needs, it comes with challenges. Deforestation is a growing concern, as is indoor air pollution, which impacts health, particularly for women and children. Transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives is a priority, but for now, biomass remains king in the total energy mix.

Hydropower: The Electricity Giant

When it comes to electricity, hydropower reigns supreme, contributing 80-83% of Mozambique's power mix . The Cahora Bassa dam, a 2,075 MW behemoth in Tete province, is the star of the show. It not only powers Mozambique but also exports significant electricity to South Africa, showcasing the country's role as a regional energy hub.

With over 12,000 MW of untapped hydropower potential, Mozambique is poised for growth. Projects like the 1,500 MW Mphanda Nkuwa station are in the pipeline, promising to bolster domestic supply and exports . Hydropower's dominance makes Mozambique a leader in renewable electricity, but reliance on a single source raises questions about diversification.

Fossil Fuels: Gas and Oil in the Mix

Fossil fuels play a supporting role in Mozambique's electricity mix, with natural gas at 16% and heavy fuel oil (HFO) at 4% as of 2020 (energypedia). Natural gas is on the rise, fueled by Mozambique's vast offshore reserves, which could transform the country into a global gas exporter. By 2030, gas is projected to account for 44% of energy generation, driven by industrial demand and urban growth (Trade.gov).

Heavy fuel oil, used in some power plants, is less significant but serves as a backup or industrial power source. While fossil fuels are part of the energy mix, their share in electricity is dwarfed by hydropower, and their role in total energy consumption (including transport and industry) is less clear due to limited data.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is an emerging player, currently making up just 1% of the electricity mix (energypedia). Yet, with a solar potential of 23,000 GWh/year and high yields across the country, the future looks bright (Wikipedia). Projects like the 40 MW Mocuba Solar Power Station in Zambezia, launched in 2019, and upcoming stations in Metoro (41 MW) and Nacala (100 MW) signal momentum.

Solar is particularly vital for rural electrification, powering 700 schools and 800 public buildings (IEA). Government initiatives, like the installation of 50 MW mini solar PV plants, aim to bring electricity to remote areas, aligning with the goal of 100% electrification by 2030 (energypedia).

The Missing Players: Coal, Wind, Geothermal, and Nuclear

Some energy sources are notably absent or minimal:

  • Coal: Despite significant reserves, coal is mainly exported and plays a negligible role in domestic electricity generation (Privacy Shield).

  • Wind: Wind energy has potential within Mozambique's 187 GW power generation capacity (including coal, hydro, gas, and wind), but no major projects are operational (Privacy Shield).

  • Geothermal: There's no evidence of geothermal energy in Mozambique's current or planned energy mix.

  • Nuclear: Nuclear energy is entirely absent, with no facilities or plans in place.

Chart:   Electricity Generation from fossil fuels in Mozambique

Chart for comparison:

The most relevant charts for Mozambique's energy sector

Covering aspects from production and consumption to renewable energy integration, environmental impacts, and economic factors. 

Production and Consumption:

  1. Gas Production (2016):Provides an understanding of Mozambique's natural gas production capacity, essential for grasping the role of gas in the energy mix. 
  1. Electricity Generation (2022): Provides an overview of total electricity generation, helping to understand the scale of energy production in the country.
  1. Electricity Generation from Fossil Fuels (2022): Highlights the dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation and its implications for energy sustainability.


Renewable Energy and Sustainability:

  1. Hydropower Generation (2022): Important for understanding the role of hydroelectric power in Mozambique's energy mix, showcasing a significant renewable resource.
  1. Installed Solar Energy Capacity (2022): Displays the capacity of solar energy infrastructure, illustrating the level of investment and reliance on solar energy.
  1. Electricity Generation from Renewables (2022): Reflects the contribution of renewable sources to electricity production, essential for assessing the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
  1. Low-Carbon Electricity Generation per Capita (2022): Provides data on the availability of low-carbon electricity per person, signaling the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.


Environmental Impact:

  1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2022): Essential for evaluating the overall environmental impact of the energy sector and its sustainability.
  1. Per Capita CO2 Emissions (2022): Offers a measure of the population's carbon footprint from energy consumption, important for environmental impact assessments.
  1. Carbon Intensity of Electricity Generation (2022): Measures the carbon emissions per unit of electricity generated, vital for understanding the efficiency and environmental impact of the energy sector.


Economic Aspects and Policy:

  1. Energy Intensity (2021):  Measures the energy efficiency of the economy by showing the amount of energy used per unit of GDP, critical for policy-making and economic planning.
  1. Net Electricity Imports (2022): Indicates Mozambique's reliance on imported electricity, affecting energy security and policy decisions.