South Africa approves importing electricity from Mozambique to alleviate power shortages

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South Africa approves importing electricity from Mozambique to alleviate power shortages

9:09 CAT | 12 Jun 2023

FILE - The South African Ministers in the President’s Office for Planning and Electricity, Maropene Ramokgopa and Kgosientho Ramokgopa visited Mozambique in May. [File photo: Twitter / @Kgosientsho_R],

South Africa’s Cabinet has approved Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s plan to import electricity from Mozambique to address the country’s power shortages.

The power purchase agreement between the two countries was discussed during a recent Cabinet meeting. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that Mozambique would initially provide 80MW of power, with the potential to increase to 1,000MW in the medium term.

The additional power supply would enable Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, to reduce load shedding by at least one stage, bringing relief to businesses and households.

READ: South African Ministers look for power solution in Mozambique – AIM

The Cabinet also emphasized the importance of supporting the “Winter Demand Management” campaign initiated by the electricity minister, which aims to encourage electricity saving and alleviate strain on the national grid.

Currently, South Africa faces a significant electricity deficit of 6,000MW, leading to the implementation of up to Stage 6 rotational load shedding to prevent grid collapse.

READ: South Africa seeks more electricity from Mozambique, two ministers visit – report

Source: Solar Quarter