Mozambique argues that global targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 should take into account the specific contexts and challenges of developing countries. During a congress held in Italy, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, António Saínda, presented this position at a high-level panel.
António Saínda emphasized the importance of coordinated international action to reduce emissions of environmentally harmful gases, in line with the 2021 Paris Agreement. However, he stressed the need for these targets to be realistic, considering the current economic difficulties and the development needs of African countries such as Mozambique.
One of the main challenges pointed out by Saínda includes access to climate finance, human resource training and technology transfer, crucial elements if developing countries are to achieve their energy targets. He stressed that financing can meet domestic energy needs and consolidate Mozambique’s position as a producer and supplier of green energy in the southern African region.
Mozambique has significant energy potential, with estimates including 18 Gigawatts of hydroelectric sources, 185 Tcf of natural gas, 25 billion tons of coal reserves, 23,000 Gigawatts of solar energy and 5.6 Gigawatts of wind energy. The country is currently implementing renewable energy projects with a capacity of 100MWp, such as Mphanda Nkuwa, Boroma and Lupata, as well as building small floating photovoltaic plants to supply energy to communities on several of the country’s islands.
During the congress in Milan, Mozambique reaffirmed its facilitating role in the global energy transition, especially through gas, positioning itself as a generating energy center in the southern African region and boosting its own energy transition. Government representatives also met with global leaders such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss financing and the transition to green energy.
The event was also attended by ministers of mineral resources from countries such as Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Ghana, who discussed strategies to promote an inclusive energy transition adapted to the realities of developing countries.
