Mozambique : African Development Bank approves 125 million loan for hydroelectric power producer to modernize production system

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a loan package not exceeding 125 million to Hidroelctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) in Mozambique to support its Vital Capex program aimed at modernizing the companys electricity production system.

HCB, the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Southern Africa, provides hydroelectric power to Mozambique and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The package comprises up to 100 million from the African Development Bank and up to 25 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund.

The modernization will extend the life of the plant by at least 25 years, enhance the reliability of energy delivery, reduce outages and enable the company to fulfil its contractual obligations to its off-takers and enhance regional integration of the electricity sector in SADC. It will also ensure the sustainability of energy security of the Community, particular South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The Vice President of the African Development Banks Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth Complex, Kevin Kariuki, said: We are delighted to support the Vital Capex program, given HCBs central role in the Southern African Power Pool. Additionally, HCBs increased capacity, enhanced reliability, and ability to provide ancillary services will facilitate greater integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind in the wider region.

Also commenting, the Banks Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulations, Wale Shonibare, said: the Banks support to HCB is well aligned with its vision of integrating African electricity markets to promote the supply of affordable and reliable electricity to consumers in the region.

The loan aligns with one of the Banks High Fives objectives to Light Up and Power Africa under its New Deal on Energy for Africa.