AMER Webinar: Mini-Grids in Mozambique

On October 13, AMER organised a webinar divided into two sessions focused on the topic of Mini-Grids in Mozambique, attended by 199 participants distributed in 29 countries. This webinar is part of the AMER webinar series and the next will be held on December 15.

This webinar was attended by the private sector companies with experience in the development of mini-grids, the African Mini Grid Developer Association (AMDA), FUNAE, the main donor agencies with programs for Mozambique, as well as Mozambican consultants specialized in renewable energy. The debate among the various stakeholders allowed us to look at the topic through different perspectives and draw very clear conclusions.

The expansion of access to electricity for all until 2030, as stated in the energy policy of the Government of Mozambique, will also have to be done through mini-grids and with the participation of the private sector.

The regulatory framework must be clear, reliable and must encourage the implementation of mini-grid projects. The actual regulatory framework for the electricity sector is spread over several legal diplomas and is not, at all, adapted for mini-grid projects. Although creative solutions exist through the use of cooperatives, it was clear that the current regulatory framework is an obstacle to the electrification of the country through mini-grids.

There is an urgent need to reform the current legal framework of the energy sector, mainly in terms of concession and licensing, otherwise hundreds of years will be needed for the expansion of mini-grids required and desired by the current Government.

Finally, the reduction of the tax burden on the import of the components of the mini-grids, as well as a reflective tariff would be important incentives for private investment.

In conclusion, there is an urgent need to approve a legal reform that encourages and enables mini-grid projects in Mozambique with the aim of guaranteeing the access of all Mozambicans to electricity by 2030!