The much-anticipated start-up of the Temane Thermal Power Plant (CTT) in southern Mozambique has been pushed back to mid-2025 due to the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Filipo. The storm, which struck Inhambane province in March, wreaked havoc on construction operations, delaying the arrival of crucial equipment and significantly impacting the project timeline.

Eucides Dgedge, the CTT project manager, revealed that the storm caused substantial damage to the temporary dock supporting the construction efforts. “The destruction of 50% of the dock made it impossible to transport the remaining boilers,” he explained. Furthermore, the barge and tugboat responsible for transporting the equipment ran aground 20 kilometers from the dock, further complicating the situation and causing significant delays.

As a result of these setbacks, the anticipated commercial operation date has been revised from January 2025 to February 2026. This delay will also impact the timelines for the associated Temane Transition Project (TTP) and the Natural Gas Production and Sharing Project (PSA), both of which are closely linked to the CTT.

The CTT project, with a budget of US$650 million, is a cornerstone of Mozambique’s energy strategy. Upon completion, it is expected to increase the country’s installed energy production capacity by approximately 16%, bringing electricity to an estimated 1.5 million households by 2030. This aligns with the government’s ambitious Universal Energy Access Programme, aiming to provide reliable and affordable electricity to all citizens.

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Tropical Storm Filipo, which made landfall in Inhambane with wind gusts exceeding 120 kilometers per hour, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. Mozambique, frequently battered by cyclones and floods, is particularly susceptible to such natural disasters.

The delay in the CTT project highlights the challenges faced by developing nations in navigating the complexities of climate change while striving to achieve energy security and economic growth. The project’s successful completion remains crucial for Mozambique’s economic development and its ability to meet the growing energy demands of its population.

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