Chimuara-Nacala power transmission project (phases II and III)
We are delivering phases II and III of the Chimuara-Nacala power transmission project in Mozambique.
This landmark project is a partnership between Gridworks and the Mozambican electricity utility, Electricidade de Moçambique. It is the first privately financed transmission project in the country.
It will strengthen and increase the reliability of the transmission infrastructure connecting central and northern regions of the country (between Chimuara, in Sofala province and Nampula and Nacala in Nampula province).
The project infrastructure includes a 400kV transmission line from Alto Molócuè-Namialo (272 km), a 220kV transmission line from Namialo – Nampula (98 km) and a 220kV transmission line from Namialo – Nacala-à-Velha (90 km), with two new substations at Namialo and Nacala-à-Velha and the expansion of the Nampula substation.
Why we're investing
The Chimuara-Nacala project will help increase energy access, enable a clean energy transition, support economic development and shape the broader market.
Energy access
Only half of Mozambique’s population has access to electricity. Adding 460km of new infrastructure will significantly increase the reliability of electricity in the northern regions of Zambezia and Nampula, which have the lowest electricity access rates in the country (at 25% and 18% respectively).
Climate benefits
The project will enable the transmission of solar and hydropower to the northern region. For example, hydropower generated in the Zambezia region in the west of Mozambique currently only supplies southern Mozambique, as the southern and central regions are not connected – this project will enable the supply of renewable power to the north of the country.
Economic development
The northern areas of Mozambique, in particular the Nampula-Nacala area, have significant industrial demand. However, the required capacity of the transmission infrastructure far exceeds the transfer limit on the existing system. The project will help address this challenge.
Market shaping
This project will help to shape the market by demonstrating how private sector finance can be used for transmission, creating a precedent for a structure and regulatory model in Mozambique and more broadly on the continent.