Neoen launches construction of a 41 MWp solar power plant in Mozambique

Neoen and its partner Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), both ALER’s Member, have completed the financial close and launched construction of Central Solar Metoro, a 41 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant located in northern Mozambique.

The power generated by the facility, which is due to enter service in late 2020, will be delivered at the strategic location of Metoro (Ancuabe district), the main transmission and distribution substation in northern Mozambique. It will supply the national grid, providing a boost for the power grid in the Provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, which are currently the driving force behind the country’s industrial development.

The project represents a $56 million investment, of which $40 million will be provided in the form of debt by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and its subsidiary Proparco. Efacec, ALER’s Member, a Portuguese group established in Mozambique for several decades, will build the facility.

Construction is due to take 11 months, creating up to 370 jobs, the vast majority of which will be filled by local employees, with professional training being provided. Throughout the facility’s scheduled service life of 25 years, it will provide around 30 permanent jobs, delivering a sustained boost to the Metoro village economy.

During development of the project, the population’s needs were surveyed and a community development plan was drawn up in conjunction with the local authorities. The plan is geared towards delivering wider access to education and will be funded by a portion of the revenue generated by the solar power plant.

Read the full press release here.