Giorgia Burzachechi The United Nations Development Program has launched a tender to install solar systems in 17 medical facilities. Mozambique, with only 54% access to electricity, suffers from serious energy shortages which also impact the healthcare sector, where many facilities lack reliable energy.
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Mozambique has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, with only 54% of its population connected to the power grid. This limited access directly impacts social infrastructure, particularly in the healthcare sector. About 60% of healthcare facilities (HCF) rely on diesel generators or have unstable access to electricity.
Even among facilities connected to the grid, only 52.5% can meet basic lighting needs. For 62% of the population, reaching a healthcare center means traveling approximately 7.5 miles, often on foot, with limited access to services upon arrival.
To address this issue, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), at the request of the Mozambican government and with support from the SELCO Foundation and GreenLight Africa, conducted a thorough assessment of the country’s energy and healthcare infrastructure. The results of this study were recently presented during a meeting in Maputo, the capital. The analysis highlighted the energy challenges faced by the healthcare sector, pinpointing gaps and needs in terms of both energy supply and demand. It collected primary data from selected healthcare facilities, both rural and urban, characterized by unstable energy supply, and developed detailed estimates of overall energy needs, accompanied by technical plans and management models for the adoption of photovoltaic solar energy.
IRENA also reported that by the end of 2023, Mozambique had installed 83 MW of solar energy. The country’s national energy plan aims to achieve 50% of its energy production from renewable sources by 2043, with the goal of ensuring electricity access for all citizens.
In response to these challenges, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a tender for the installation of photovoltaic systems in 17 healthcare facilities across Mozambique, divided into three lots in the northern, central, and southern regions. These systems will be hybrid turnkey solutions designed to enhance the electrical supply to facilities already connected to the national grid.
The primary goal of the intelligent hybrid photovoltaic solar systems is to provide reliable power and affordable green energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of 17 healthcare facilities. Additionally, the systems will offer integrated intelligent services such as security and adaptability. The UNDP requires high-quality standards for these hybrid turnkey solar solutions, as they will serve as showcases both nationally and internationally.
Source: UNDP
