Mozambique Tenders New Mini-Grids

Key Figures & Findings: Mozambique’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, through ARENE, has launched a tender targeting independent power producers (IPPs) and mini-grid developers to finance, design, construct, operate, and transfer four lots of solar mini-grids in Nampula Province. The total installed capacity across the lots is up to 3MW, with each lot consisting of multiple mini-grids ranging from 25kWp to 100kWp, paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS). The program is supported by Germany’s KfW Development Bank via a financial grant under the “Green People’s Energy for Africa” initiative (BMZ 2018 68660).

Statistics & Insights: Each lot consists of several sub-projects with planned capacities between 25kWp and 100kWp. The bidding will follow an International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process, with up to 8 applicants to be shortlisted. Prequalification will be governed by Mozambique’s procurement laws and KfW’s guidelines on financial cooperation (2021 version). Selected developers will operate the systems before the eventual transfer of ownership.

Future Implications: If successful, the program could significantly increase energy access in rural areas of Nampula, improve energy reliability through integrated BESS, and stimulate localized solar industry growth. The initiative aligns with Mozambique’s national energy expansion goals and could set a precedent for future decentralized energy programs backed by international development funds.

Source: Green Building Africa