A multi-million natural gas powered electricity generation plant was unveiled in Mozambique’s Moamba district of Maputo province on Thursday. The facility will shrink power deficit faced in the southern African country and its neighbours.

“In recent years the city and province of Maputo have had a deficit of around 150 megawatts, so with the launch of the plant the lack of power in the region has been fully overcome,” said  chairman of EdM Augusto Fernando.

Construction of the $250 million Ressano Garcia Power Plant (CTRG) began in 2012. The contract was overseen by South African energy group Sasol and Mozambique state-owned Electricidade de Moçambique (EdM). 

The giant CTRG natural gas power plant has an electricity generation capacity of  180 megawatts. Recently EdM says it needs over $1 billion to provide adequate electricity to the Mozambican populace.

The Southern African nation has been hit by constant power cuts in the past months but it’s energy industry remains an attractive sector for foreign investors, beyond its much discussed large offshore gas discoveries.

Mozambique has become one of the most promising countries in Africa in terms of natural gas and coal resources. The country’s Tete Province is estimated to hold large untapped coal reserves of 25 billion short tons, according to the International Energy Agency.

By George Mpofu

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