US trade agency to fund two wind energy

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will fund two feasibility studies for the deployment of wind energy in Mozambique in which US companies are participating, it announced. The projects under study could be the first large wind generators in Mozambique, “a major step in the expansion of electrification in the country,” the institution said. Mozambique’s energy expansion “will also create opportunities for US companies to provide quality infrastructure solutions,” said Todd Abrajano, director of operations for USTDA.

USTDA will support a feasibility study of the firm Ventos de Inhambane, carried out by US company Delphos International, relating to the project for a wind farm with energy storage near Praia da Rocha. The agency will support another feasibility study by Globeleq Calanga Wind for a two-stage wind energy project, also with energy storage, in the Manhiça district – in this case, the study will be carried out by US company DNV GL Energy.

The announcement follows other support for the sector. The United States announced on 10 September a loan of US$200 million (€168 million) for a new power plant in Mozambique. Read the full USTDA press release below. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency expanded its support for Mozambique’s energy sector by funding two projects that will help deliver electricity to thousands of households through wind power and energy storage technology. The projects are among Mozambique’s first utility-scale wind power plants – a large step in expanding the country’s electrification. “USTDA’s assistance will support Mozambique’s efforts to tap into its abundant renewable energy resources. These projects are prime examples of how USTDA uses innovative technology to promote access to electricity and economic growth in its partner countries,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “Mozambique’s energy expansion will also create opportunities for American companies to supply quality infrastructure solutions that are built to last.”

USTDA awarded a grant for a feasibility study to help Ventos de Inhambane, S.A. develop a wind power plant with energy storage near Praia da Rocha. U.S. firm Delphos International, Ltd. will undertake the study. “The valuable support USTDA is providing will enable the advancement of the Inhambane Wind Farm. USTDA is helping Mozambique expand its renewable energy sector, while providing much needed clean power and sustainable investment for the growth of the region,” said Bernardo T. Fernandes, Managing Partner of Enventure Partners, LLC, the majority shareholder of Ventos de Inhambane, S.A.

USTDA also committed funding for a feasibility study to support Globeleq Calanga Wind, S.A., a subsidiary company of Globeleq, in the development of a two-phase wind power project with energy storage in the Manhiça district. The study will be performed by U.S. firm DNV GL Energy USA, Inc. “We would like to thank USTDA for filling an early stage funding gap. The crucial role they are playing in the Manhiça wind project helps us accelerate renewable energy choices for the country,” said Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Development Officer of Globeleq. These projects support the Electrify Africa Act as well as the Prosper Africa, Power Africa, and Doing Business in Africa programs.