AfDB approves €125 million loan for SADC’s biggest IPP

THE board of directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a loan package not exceeding €125 million to Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) of Mozambique, the largest Independent Power Producer in Southern Africa.

The funding is expected to support the power producer’s vital capex programme aimed at modernising the company’s electricity production system.

In a statement, the bank said the package comprises up to €100 million from the African Development Bank and up to €25 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund.

HCB, provides hydroelectric power to Mozambique and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“The modernisation will extend the life of the plant by at least 25 years, enhance the reliability of energy delivery, reduce outages and enable the company to fulfil its contractual obligations to its off-takers and enhance regional integration of the electricity sector in SADC,” it said.

“It will also ensure the sustainability of energy security of the community, particular South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.”

AfDB vice president for power, energy, climate change and green growth complex, Kevin Kariuki, said: “We are delighted to support the vital capex programme, given HCB’s central role in the Southern African Power Pool”.

Additionally, HCB’s increased capacity, enhanced reliability, and ability to provide ancillary services will facilitate greater integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind in the wider region, he said.

Also commenting, the bank’s director for energy financial solutions, policy and regulations, Wale Shonibare, said: “the bank’s support to HCB is well aligned with its vision of integrating African electricity markets to promote the supply of affordable and reliable electricity to consumers in the region.”

The loan aligns with one of the AfDB’s “High Fives” objectives to “Light Up and Power Africa” under its New Deal on Energy for Africa.-ebusinessweekly