Mozambique has announced that it is to end its hydroelectric power supplies to South Africa, which will bring an end to half a century of this supply from its Cahora Bassa facility.
Pulling out of supplementing Eskom power has the potential to affect the power utilitys’ already stressed supply capability and will impact one of Africa’s largest aluminium smelters, Mozal, near the capital Maputo.
Presently, the smelter purchases its electricity from Eskom, although it produces in Mozambique.
Because Mozambique’s grid is not linked nationally, Mozal cannot get direct power from Cahora Bassa.
Instead, 1 400 kilometres of cable delivers the necessary power to operate Mozal, which is supplied by Eskom.
Power arrangements between the two countries have been in place since 1979.
“The main short-term hydro priority is the repatriation of electricity from Cahora Bassa exported to South Africa when the contract ends in 2030,” the government said in a strategy document.
When there is a major disruption to Mozambique’s power transmission infrastructure – such as when rains and flooding topple pylons - the impact has been felt in South Africa.
Mozambique’s energy ministry did not respond to requests for comment. SOURCE: Tech Central
