Mozambique consider tenders for dam refurbishment

Mozambique plans to invite international tenders in March for the refurbishment of two hydroelectric dams, a senior official said on Friday.

Agusto Fernando, director for production and transmission at state-owned electricity firm EDM, said the company was looking to boost capacity at Chicamba and Mavuzi hydroelectric projects to 80 MW.

"We have engaged a consultant to prepare the tender document for the refurbishment of the two dams at Chicamba and Mavuzi set along the river Revue. This would mainly involve equipment, creating conditions to increase production levels from 30 to around 80 megawatts", he said.

"It would be a bigger investment judging from the fact that three years ago, the cost of refurbishing the two dams was estimated at $36,5-million, a figure which is expected to have increased over time."

Mozambique produces 2,075 MW of electricity, mainly at its Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric (HCB) plant, which plans to increase output.

HCB, which suffered from decades of neglect and lack of investment, currently provides 60% of its power to South Africa's Eskom and 35% to Zimbabwe's power utility Zesa while Mozambique consumes only 5%.

Source: Reuters