Powering progress: How Sweco assists in the modernisation of Africa’s energy systems
Photo Credit: Gettyimages / Mischa Keijser
Published on: January 31, 2024
With export projects in more than 70 countries, Sweco is working on energy assignments in many parts of the world. In Africa, experts have been present for several decades to expand access to electricity and assist countries in their energy transition journeys.
In Uganda, Sweco is currently part of an effort to investigate the potential of floating solar technology to diversify the country’s energy mix. In Mozambique, Sweco experts have key advisory roles in the rehabilitation of one of Southern Africa’s major hydropower plants, and in the work to make the country more resilient in the face of climate change.
Read more about some of Sweco’s current projects on the African continent:
Floating solar technology in Uganda
Floating solar technology is a relatively new field that is highly attractive for power companies and investors.
In an effort to diversify Uganda’s energy mix, Sweco experts are currently working on a project that explores how Uganda can benefit from the technology. The country is currently relying heavily on hydroelectric power and the aim is to place the panels on a dam reservoir connected to one of the country’s hydroelectric plants.
Sweco is conducting a feasibility study at four hydroelectric dams to determine which one is most suitable for the construction of a solar power facility. Once that is completed, a detailed study and design will be conducted with specifications to enable the procurement of contractors, financial calculations and the evaluation of environmental aspects as data for investment decisions.
Sweco is collaborating with Ugandan subcontractors, two consultancy companies from France and one from Germany. The client is Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd and Sweco’s project is part of a bilateral agreement between the governments of Sweden and Uganda. It is financed by Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, which is a state-owned company that aims to contribute to poverty reduction through sustainable investments in the world’s poorest countries.
Hydropower plant rehabilitation in Mozambique
Sweco has been working on projects in Mozambique for more than three decades and has extensive knowledge about the country’s energy system.
Sweco experts are currently playing a key advisory role in the rehabilitation of one of Southern Africa’s major hydropower plants, situated in Mozambique. The Cahora Bassa hydropower plant and dam — located on the Zambezi river and a vital source of energy since the 1970s — has five generators that are in need of a thorough refurbishment to ensure its continued operation and efficiency.
The power station is an important source of revenue as it exports a significant amount of its production to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
Sweco’s involvement includes evaluating the rehabilitation requirements, drafting the technical specifications, and supporting the procurement process for the necessary contractors. Additionally, Sweco will oversee the installation of new equipment to ensure the modernisation efforts meet the high standards required for such a critical energy infrastructure. The customer is Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, S.A. and the project is expected to continue for several years.
Photo Credit: Cavan Images / Robert Caputo. Image Description: Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambiques.
Bolstering Mozambique against extreme weather
Sweco recently won another assignment in Mozambique. This time as an advisor in a project that aims to enhance the preparedness of the nation’s energy system to withstand the impacts of extreme weather events and the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
Mozambique, with its extensive coastline and areas lying below the current sea level, faces significant risks from climate change. These include altered weather patterns, sea-level rise and extreme weather conditions — such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones — which could severely disrupt the country’s energy infrastructure. The energy system, consisting of hydropower facilities, gas turbines and extensive transmission networks, is particularly susceptible to damage from natural disasters.
The client is the state-owned energy company Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) and the assignment is financed by Swedfund. In an effort to enhance energy security in the country, EDM, Sweco and Swedfund have joined forces to collaborate on this important initiative.
“Each year, Mozambique’s and EDM’s energy infrastructure is affected by extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones. Having Sweco as an advising partner is strategic in securing a national energy infrastructure that is more resilient,” says Marcelino Gildo Alberto, Chairman of the Board of Directors at EDM.
Sweco’s role will involve a thorough assessment of the existing energy infrastructure and the development of advanced preparedness protocols and disaster management processes. An important part will be the establishment of a Disaster Response Mechanism in the form of a financial fund to be able to quickly initiate, order and pay for the necessary remedial and reconstruction efforts of the power system. These efforts will align with Mozambique’s national energy strategies to ensure continuous supply and infrastructure integrity.
“Around the world, increased resilience to climate change is a growing need and is particularly necessary within the energy sector and other crucial public functions. Preparedness needs to be raised ahead of time and the consequences managed when disaster strikes. This type of project is a perfect fit for what we do at Sweco,” says Conny Udd, Division Manager for Energy & Industry at Sweco Sweden.
