In 2022, Mozambique achieved a significant milestone by sourcing over 82% of its electricity from low-carbon and clean energy sources. This remarkable feat is primarily driven by hydropower, which alone accounts for more than 81% of the country’s electricity generation. Conversely, fossil fuels like gas constitute nearly 18% of Mozambique's electricity generation. Additionally, Mozambique plays a crucial role in the region as a net exporter of electricity, helping neighboring countries reduce their emissions. The next hurdle for Mozambique is to expand its electricity usage into sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry, necessitating a substantial increase in electricity generation.
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Mozambique has several viable options. First and foremost, expanding its already robust hydropower capacity can provide a reliable and sustainable increase in electricity. Secondly, integrating other low-carbon energy sources like wind and solar should be prioritized to diversify the energy mix and improve grid stability. Lastly, deploying nuclear energy can provide a steady and large-scale source of low-carbon electricity, essential for meeting the growing energy demands of an electrifying economy. By investing in these sustainable and green energy technologies, Mozambique can continue to lead the way in clean electricity generation.
Looking back, Mozambique's journey in low-carbon electricity has seen a series of important developments. In the early 1980s, hydropower experienced some fluctuations with a notable decline in 1981, followed by minor recoveries and another downturn in 1984. Fast forward to the late 1990s and early 2000s, hydropower capacity saw significant growth with gains reported almost every year from 1998 to 2003. This upward trend was interrupted by minor declines between 2003 and 2008 but resumed with steady increases through the late 2000s and into the 2010s. By 2019, hydropower continued to demonstrate its critical role in Mozambique's energy portfolio with a consistent upwards trend, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the country's low-carbon electricity supply.