A local supplier for Mozambique’s power sector

Mozambique

Gonçalo Ferraz, operations manager at EFACEC, talks to The Energy Year about gearing up for increased business in solar generation and how the company’s equipment helps support Mozambique’s electrification goals. EFACEC is an international technology company specialising in products and services for the electrical and electromechanical industries.

How are EFACEC’s operations organised and which of your services are most in demand in Mozambique?
The two main groups within EFACEC are manufacturing and services. In recent years we have been emphasising renewable energies and stocking products for wind and PV generation, which we are also equipped to install in the field.
Transformers are in high demand due to the country’s goal to reach universal electrification. Since the country is large and electricity must be carried over long distances, logistics poses a big challenge and distribution transformers are the number one product in the market.

What has been EFACEC’s involvement in the Metoro Solar Power Station?
EPC, as the name states, goes from A to Z. Since the design of the project, we have been involved with soil studies, engineering for steel structures and fitting all the panels to produce power. We also connected the PV systems to the EDM [Electricidade de Moçambique] substation, and we have a separate contract for operations and maintenance.

How would you assess Mozambique’s energy production potential?
With the possible exception of South Africa, all of Mozambique’s neighbours depend on imported energy. Mozambique could supply them all. As soon as high-voltage lines are in place, the potential is there to link the country’s generation plants, be they gas-fired or powered by renewables. Solar plants could be major exporters of power.

What characteristics make EFACEC stand out among its competitors?
One advantage we have over competitors is that we are culturally engaged with local communities and speak the same language. We have been operating in Mozambique for more than 25 years and have built strong relationships and partnerships during that time. We have gained the confidence of the market. I would also add that we have extensive geographical experience as we have conducted work in virtually all the provinces in the country.

What do you envision for the company’s long-term evolution?
EFACEC has new ownership and new administration, and we are currently in the process of formulating new development guidelines. However, the distribution and transmission business will be important for us without a doubt, along with associated projects to connect substations to overhead lines and the network. In parallel, we will target the solar energy segment, which we believe has great potential in Mozambique.

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