Capacity Optimization Study of Chua Mini-Hydropower Plant at Chua River, Manica, Mozambique

Abstract

Hydropower energy is one of most promising clean energy technologies, however this energy technology has many challenges. Compared with other renewable energies for example biomass, solar and wind energies, it has high capital investment cost. In Mozambique, access to conversional energy in form of electricity has been limited to most of the rural population. The objectives of the investigation research are to analyze Chua micro-hydropower plant exploration in Manica district in Mozambique and to examine the possibility of increasing energy production. The current total installed power generation capacity in Mozambique is about 939 MW. Hydropower contributes 561 MW, making a contribution of 61%. Oil contributes 27%, and natural gas contributes 12% of the total electric grid generation in Mozambique.