MAPUTO– Mozambique’s State-owned electricity company, EDM, and the Swedish Embassy in Maputo have launched a Project Preparation Programme, for which Sweden will provide EDM a grant of 52.5 million Swedish crowns (about 6.4 million US dollars).
The programme, which will run until 2021, will include studies on efficiency, capacity-building and environmental impact assessments in the energy sector to facilitate inter-action with other potential funding agencies.
EDM chairperson Mateus Magala said at the launching here Monday that the funding would help expand access to electricity and support bankable projects in Mozambican communities. He added that this is a unique experience in funding the preparation of projects, and fills a gap in the company’s operations.
Among the initiatives where studies can now advance, thanks to the Swedish grant, are the second phase of the Mavuzi hydro-electric power station in the central province of Manica, small hydro-power stations at Tsate (also in Manica), Messalo (Cabo Delgado Province) and Mugeba (Zambezia), and transmission lines from the northern city of Nampula to the coastal district of Angoche, from Chimuara to Dondo, in Sofala Province, from Macia to Chonguene, in the southern province of Gaza, from Ressano Garcia, on the South African border, to the industrial area of Beluluane, on the outskirts of Maputo, and from Maputo to Salamanga.
Swedish Ambassador Marie Andersson de Frutos stressed the need for EDM to rely increasingly on renewable sources of energy, notably solar power and she reiterated the willingness of the Swedish government to continue supporting the development of Mozambique, particularly in the energy sector, where Sweden has been providing assistance since this country’s independence in 1975.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK