Moz to install wind turbines

2009-06-24 12:31

Maputo - Mozambique's power supply will receive a further boost this year as South African based company plans to set up over 1 700 wind turbines.

The pilot project would involve installing turbines in several Mozambican communities and would be a first for Africa, Palmtree Power (Pty) Ltd's director of operations, Emery Glenn, said in an e-mailed response to questions.

There were negotiations to set up similar projects in Swaziland, South Africa, Lesotho, Tanzania, Nigeria and Liberia.

"Mozambique was chosen because of its strategic position in the region. The power produced in Mozambique can be exported to its neighbouring countries," said Glenn.

Mozambique was chosen for the pilot because its president Armando Guebuza, the Mozambican energy ministry, energy regulatory body Funae and Palmtree's sister company Okhela Mozambique LDA were "fanatical in securing clean energy technologies to fight global warming and climate change".

Upscale homes

Glenn added that the power from the turbines would be channelled into the Mozambican national power grid.

"Each community that has a wind farm constructed will receive an initial capital injection in the community as well as a lifetime funding source via the sell of electricity into the grid."

The first turbine, which would generate power to 100 to 150 "upscale homes", would be set up at Rocha beach, about 500km north of the capital Maputo, and would generate 20MW.

"There are a million reasons why we can document how great this project is for Mozambique and other parts of Africa. However the main reason is that Africa is now displaying its commitment and responsibility in mitigating the effect of global warming and climate change to the planet," he said.

Guebuza would open the first phase of the project on July 29. 

- SAPA