JCM Power has secured the 30 MW Manje solar project in Mozambique, marking the independent power producer’s entry into the country and supporting the government’s efforts to expand electricity supply through greater private-sector investment.
The company announced on August 25 that it had been selected to develop the project in Tete province under Mozambique’s renewable energy auction programme, PROLER. The project is expected to contribute to the country’s growing renewable energy capacity while helping strengthen electricity access.
Manje Opens New Market for JCM Power
The Manje project dates back to 2022, when Mozambican authorities launched a prequalification process for private investors to develop two solar plants, Manje and Chimbunila, each with a planned capacity of 30 MW. Developers selected under the programme were expected to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the facilities.
JCM Power has not disclosed the investment required for the Manje project and has not provided a construction timeline.
The project gives the company its first presence in Mozambique, although it already has experience developing renewable energy projects in neighbouring Malawi. JCM Power and its partners developed the 60 MW Salima solar plant, which began operations in 2021.
The company also operates the 20 MW Golomoti solar plant in Malawi, which is supported by a 5 MW/10 MWh battery storage system and entered commercial operation in 2022. This experience could provide JCM Power with a strong foundation as it begins work in the Mozambican market.
PROLER is backed by the European Union through the French Development Agency and aims to develop about 120 MW of renewable power through competitive tenders. The programme is also designed to increase private-sector participation in Mozambique’s electricity industry.
Project Supports Mozambique’s Energy Goals
The Manje project comes as Mozambique seeks to increase electricity access and attract more private capital into the power sector. According to the country’s National Energy Compact, the electrification rate increased from 31% in 2018 to 60.1% in 2024, with the government targeting universal access by 2030.
Mozambique is also planning a major expansion of solar power. Under the compact, the country aims to increase installed solar photovoltaic capacity from 98 MW in 2024 to 303 MW by 2032.
Progress on Manje would support this target by adding new renewable generation capacity to the national power system. Beyond the additional electricity, the project also reflects Mozambique’s strategy of using private investment to help finance the expansion of its energy infrastructure.
For JCM Power, the project provides an opportunity to build on its regional experience while entering a market with significant demand for new power generation. For Mozambique, bringing another private developer into the sector could help accelerate renewable energy development and support the country’s longer-term goal of reliable and universal electricity access.
