Mozambique Solar Thermal Energy Technologies: Current Status and Future Trends

Abstract

Mozambique’s economy and population is growing fast and so its power needs. The country is amply endowed with abundant, high quality natural energy resource, but access to electricity is still a challenge to numerous people not to mention regularly blackout-related problems. Projected growth of urban and rural areas will represent a significant energy and climate challenge. The lack of access to energy is a major factor in the slow progress in attainment of the SDGs. Solar energy is seen as one of the most promising sources of energy, both for electricity supply and for thermal purpose. The country consistently presents a high level of solar radiation throughout the territory and throughout the year. The global horizontal irradiation varies between 1785 and 2206 kWh/m²/year, but the contribution to the overall supply is still marginal. Understanding the proper technologies for harnessing solar thermal energy is fundamental for economic growth and social development. In this study, solar thermal technologies are comprehensively reviewed and barriers and opportunities are discussed. Although the country has enormous solar potential for the use of thermal energy, there are few systems installed (3MWP) with emphasis only on domestic multi-family force circulation systems, flat solar collectors and vacuum tubes in operation in single-family homes. Also, innovation of domestic thermal systems could help to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the costs of electricity tax in residences.

Keywords: climate change, electricity, thermal energy, solar collector, radiation

DOI: 10.7176/JETP/11-5-02

Publication date:October 31^st 2021