Sweden pledges 11 million dollars for electricity expansion

Maputo, 11 Mar (AIM) – The Swedish government has pledged to disburse 11 million dollars to fund a project aimed at expanding, over the next five years, access to electricity in Mozambique’s rural areas.

The project, which is called +SOL Mini-Grid initiative, has been designed to encourage private companies to invest in the mini-grid sector, enabling them to build infrastructure and connect households in rural areas.

Project implementation will be in close collaboration with the National Energy Fund (FUNAE) and the Energy Regulatory Authority (ARENE), two key Mozambican government institutions responsible for developing and regulating the energy sector.

According to Mette Sunnergren, the Swedish Ambassador to Mozambique, cited in a press release, access to energy is vital for each person’s individual development.

She explained that mini-grids are decentralized systems that supply electricity to a limited number of homes and businesses, mainly in rural areas, and which rely predominantly on renewable sources such as solar energy or small hydroelectric plants, guaranteeing a sustainable and clean supply of power.

Through the installation of these mini-grids, the +SOL initiative will not only boost rural electrification, but will also promote the use of clean cooking solutions, reducing dependence on traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal.

In addition to the direct benefits for communities, the programme will provide technical assistance and capacity building support to FUNAE and ARENE, strengthening the governance of the energy sector in Mozambique.

“It will also be a vector for the development of communities, provinces and countries. The productive use of energy generates income and jobs, while access to electricity in homes improves living conditions, provides more leisure time and enables self-improvement activities, such as studying”, the ambassador said.

For his part, Simon O’Connell, executive director of the Dutch Development Organization (SNV), said “Through the transformation of the system and its expansion, the +SOL Mini-Grid initiative will empower communities, foster entrepreneurship and support the country’s transition to a more resilient and decentralized energy system”.

According to the note, by mobilizing private sector investment and strengthening local capacities, the initiative “accelerates progress in making sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity available to rural communities.”
(AIM)
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