Mozambique is making remarkable strides in producing sustainable electricity, with more than 83% of its electricity sourced from low-carbon means, primarily hydropower accounting for 82%. This achievement is noteworthy, as it positions Mozambique ahead of many countries globally in embracing clean energy. Additionally, the country plays a crucial role as a significant net exporter of electricity, aiding neighboring regions in reducing their fossil fuel emissions. As Mozambique continues its journey towards sustainability, the next paramount challenge involves electrifying sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry, which will necessitate increased electricity supply.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mozambique?
Examining Mozambique's electricity trajectory reveals a concerning trend. The latest data indicates a per capita electricity consumption of 582 kWh, a marked decline from the historical peak of 1248 kWh per person reported in 1980. This is a decrease of 667 kWh per individual. Similarly, low-carbon electricity consumption has fallen by 660 kWh per person from its peak of 1147 kWh in 1980 to the current 487 kWh. These figures reflect a troubling decline, highlighting the urgency to revive and grow Mozambique’s electricity generation capacity, particularly through clean sources, to secure the country's energy future.
Suggestions
To bolster its clean electricity output, Mozambique should focus on diversifying and expanding its low-carbon energy portfolio. Investing in solar energy installations could harness the country's abundant sunlight, providing a reliable and sustainable power source. Moreover, exploring nuclear energy options could offer Mozambique a steady and significant boost in clean electricity production, helping to meet the growing energy demands of an electrified economy.
History
Historically, Mozambique's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has seen varied fluctuations. In the early 1980s, there was a notable reduction in hydropower generation, with a significant drop of 9.7 TWh in 1981 alone. However, the late 1990s through the early 2000s experienced a positive shift, marked by consecutive years of growth in hydroelectric output from 1998 to 2002. Recent decades have witnessed both rises and falls, with some years, such as 2009 and 2014, seeing increases, while others, like 2012 and 2017, experienced declines. This mixed historical performance calls for consistent efforts in strengthening and scaling up low-carbon infrastructure to ensure a stable and increasing supply of green energy for Mozambique's future.
