By Saul Molobi
In a candid address at the Drakensberg Inclusive Growth Forum, mounted by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation on 25-27 October 2024, High Commissioner of Mozambique Miss Maria Manuela Lucas emphasised the importance of regional cooperation for energy security and infrastructure development in Southern Africa. Highlighting Mozambique’s strides in energy production, she also raised the need for robust policies and peace to fully harness the region’s resources.
“Energy is not merely a driver of economic growth,” said High Commissioner Lucas. “It is a vital lifeline that supports our communities, industries, and societies.” She noted that Southern Africa, though rich in diverse energy resources – from fossil fuels to hydropower, solar, and wind – still faces shortages due to outdated infrastructure and inadequate distribution systems. “Our infrastructure deficits and limitations in transmission and distribution hinder efficient energy flow across borders, leaving millions without access,” she added.
High Commissioner Lucas underscored Mozambique’s efforts to bolster its energy capacity, noting significant achievements over the past decade. “Mozambique has developed an impressive 965 megawatts of new thermal and solar power capacity, with our national demand at only 270 megawatts during that period,” she stated. “This surplus energy is not only crucial for Mozambique but also for supporting our neighboring countries, including South Africa.”
Looking to the future, she highlighted upcoming projects, such as a 450-megawatt gas-powered facility and a potential 1,500-megawatt green energy supply sourced from Mozambican hydropower, scheduled for 2030. She stressed the importance of these projects in meeting regional energy needs but noted the challenges posed by climate change. “We have seen severe droughts affecting energy production in Zambia and Zimbabwe, impacting the Zambezi River system. Regional energy security depends not only on policy but on climate resilience and sustainable practices,” Lucas said.
Mozambique’s status as a natural gas powerhouse presents both opportunities and challenges. “With over 150 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, Mozambique is poised to be a key energy supplier to Southern Africa and beyond,” Lucas explained. However, she pointed to the need for peace and stability, particularly in the northern regions of Mozambique, for these resources to benefit the entire region. “Without peace, none of this potential will be realized. We look to South Africa’s leadership in fostering stability,” she added.
On infrastructure, Lucas noted the high costs of expanding energy pipelines across Southern Africa, calling for innovative solutions. “We need to rethink how we bring gas from northern Mozambique to South Africa. Building pipelines is costly, and exploring liquefied gas solutions might offer a viable alternative.”
The High Commissioner closed by advocating for regional unity and collaborative investment in energy infrastructure, stating, “Energy security is a collective responsibility. With the right policies and a commitment to regional collaboration, Southern Africa can achieve a sustainable energy future.”