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Mozambique's Energy Landscape and the Role of Mozal Aluminium Smelter

Understanding Mozambique's Energy Landscape and the Role of Mozal Aluminium Smelter

Mozambique's energy supply is largely characterized by its reliance on hydroelectric power, primarily generated from the Cahora Bassa Dam, one of Africa's largest hydroelectric facilities. As the country develops its industrial sector, understanding how energy is supplied and consumed becomes increasingly important, especially regarding significant consumers like the Mozal Aluminium Smelter. This article explores Mozambique's energy landscape, the role of Mozal, and how electricity is transmitted to meet the demands of this major industry player.

Overview of Mozambique's Energy Supply

Mozambique has made significant strides in expanding its electricity generation capacity over the years. The country's total installed capacity is approximately 2,400 MW, with projections to reach 2,800 MW with the completion of new power projects, such as the Temane gas-fired power plant.

Key Energy Sources:

  • Cahora Bassa Dam: Located on the Zambezi River, it has an installed capacity of 2,075 MW and accounts for a significant portion of the country's electricity production. However, actual output can fluctuate due to maintenance, seasonal factors, and variable water levels.
  • Smaller Hydroelectric and Thermal Plants: These plants complement the output from Cahora Bassa and contribute to covering the country's growing energy needs.


As Mozambique seeks to enhance its industrial sector, the need for reliable and efficient electricity supply becomes even more critical.

The Role of Mozal Aluminium Smelter

The Mozal Aluminium Smelter, situated in Matola, is a key player in Mozambique's industrial landscape, known for its substantial electricity consumption. Mozal's operations are highly energy-intensive due to the nature of aluminium production, which relies heavily on electrolysis.

Electricity Requirements:

Mozal typically requires around 950 MW of electricity to produce approximately 560,000 tons of aluminium annually. Plans to expand production could increase this demand further. The smelter's significant energy needs highlight its critical role in Mozambique's economy and its impact on the national electricity grid.

Electricity Transmission: How Mozal Receives Its Power

The electricity that powers Mozal is primarily sourced from the Cahora Bassa Dam but does not travel via a dedicated line directly from the dam. Instead, its power supply involves a more complex infrastructure:

Transmission Process:

  • Motraco (Mozambique Transmission Company): Mozal receives its electricity through Motraco, a joint venture between Mozambique's Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), South Africa's Eskom, and Eswatini's electricity utility. This setup was specifically developed to transmit power from Cahora Bassa to industrial users in southern Mozambique, including Mozal.
  • Transmission Path: Electricity generated at the Cahora Bassa Dam is first transmitted to South Africa, where it enters Eskom's grid. It is then routed back to Mozambique through Motraco's infrastructure to reach Mozal in Matola. This indirect transmission method capitalizes on existing regional interconnections rather than constructing an expensive dedicated line.


Historical Context: This transmission arrangement allows Mozal to meet its substantial energy demands without incurring the massive capital costs associated with a direct line from Cahora Bassa, which is located over 1,400 kilometers away.

see also ---->  Mozambique Transmission Company - Motraco

Future Prospects and Transition Plans

Mozal is planning to transition its electricity sourcing from Eskom to Mozambican utilities by 2026. This shift aims to reduce dependence on the coal-heavy South African grid and align with Mozal's sustainability goals.

  • Integration with EDM: As Mozal transitions to sourcing power directly from EDM, it will likely integrate more efficiently into Mozambique's national grid, bolstered by upcoming energy projects like the Mphanda Nkuwa Dam, which is expected to provide an additional 1,500 MW by 2030.

Implications for Mozambique's Energy Landscape

The relationship between Mozal and the national electricity grid underscores several important factors:

  • Supply Reliability: The current setup through Motraco has provided a relatively stable power supply, although recent history has shown vulnerabilities, such as during South Africa's energy crisis in 2008, which affected Mozal's operations.
  • Sustainability and Economic Growth: As Mozambique grows its industrial base, ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply is crucial. The push for more renewable energy sourcing, alongside the growing capacity of Mozambique's grid, is vital for the sustainable development of industries like Mozal.
Summary

Mozambique's energy supply is primarily fueled by hydroelectric power from the Cahora Bassa Dam, with Mozal Aluminium Smelter playing a significant role in the national economy as a major consumer of electricity. The intricate transmission system that supplies Mozal involves leveraging existing regional grid connections through Motraco rather than direct lines, ensuring that the smelter's energy-intensive operations continue to support industrial growth in the country. As Mozambique seeks to diversify and expand its energy capacity, the planned transitions, including a shift to local power sourcing, will be critical for enhancing both the efficiency and sustainability of its energy landscape.