A project that is set to extend the life of the Cahora Bassa hydroelectric project in Mozambique has received a funding boost as the African Development Bank Group agrees a loan deal with Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB).
The Bank’s board of directors approved a loan package not exceeding €125 million to support HCB’s Vital Capex program aimed at modernizing the company’s electricity production system HCB, the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Southern Africa, provides hydroelectric power to Mozambique and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The package comprises up to €100 million from the African Development Bank and up to €25 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund.
The modernization will extend the life of the plant by at least 25 years, enhance the reliability of energy delivery, reduce outages and enable the company to fulfil its contractual obligations to its off-takers and enhance regional integration of the electricity sector in SADC. It will also ensure the sustainability of energy security of the Community, particular South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
“We are delighted to support the Vital Capex program, given HCB’s central role in the Southern African Power Pool,” said Vice President of the African Development Bank’s Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth Complex, Kevin Kariuki. “Additionally, HCB’s increased capacity, enhanced reliability, and ability to provide ancillary services will facilitate greater integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind in the wider region.”
The loan aligns with one of the Bank’s “High Fives” objectives to “Light Up and Power Africa” under its New Deal on Energy for Africa.