South Africa Approves Importing Electricity from Mozambique to Alleviate Power Shortages

South Africa’s Cabinet has approved Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s plan to import electricity from Mozambique to address the country’s power shortages.

The power purchase agreement between the two countries was discussed during a recent Cabinet meeting. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that Mozambique would initially provide 80MW of power, with the potential to increase to 1,000MW in the medium term.

The additional power supply would enable Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, to reduce load shedding by at least one stage, bringing relief to businesses and households.

The Cabinet also emphasized the importance of supporting the “Winter Demand Management” campaign initiated by the electricity minister, which aims to encourage electricity saving and alleviate strain on the national grid.

Currently, South Africa faces a significant electricity deficit of 6,000MW, leading to the implementation of up to Stage 6 rotational load shedding to prevent grid collapse.