Environmental Impact
Rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by IMPACTO, comprehensive EMP mitigation and over 4.3 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Within the scope of the environmental licensing process and in compliance with current Mozambican legislation, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out for the Chibuto Solar Power Plant Project. This study was conducted by IMPACTO Projectos e Estudos Ambientais, Lda., an independent and duly accredited entity with extensive experience in environmental assessment for large scale projects.
The EIA concluded that the project presents a reduced level of environmental impact, provided that the mitigation and control measures defined in the respective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) are strictly observed and implemented. This plan constitutes a fundamental monitoring instrument, ensuring the project's environmental compliance throughout all phases from construction to operation and eventual decommissioning.
The implementation area is characterised by a dry tropical climate, with predominantly sandy soils and a rural landscape, dominated by agricultural fields, subsistence farms and small formations of natural vegetation. Local fauna and flora are adapted to human presence, with no record of endangered species or highly sensitive ecosystems. The area is also close to some relevant water bodies, such as the Changane River and seasonal lagoons, which were considered in the design and planning of the intervention.
The study identified a set of potential environmental and social impacts, classified as:
Negative impacts (generally of moderate magnitude):
Paired with rigorous EMP mitigation and control measures
- warning Soil disturbance and compaction
- warning Loss of agricultural crops and fruit trees
- warning Increased noise and dust emission during the construction phase
- warning Risk of soil erosion and alteration of natural drainage conditions
Positive impacts, of high relevance in the national context:
Measurable national decarbonisation and economic benefits
- check_circle Significant reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, estimated at over 4.3 million tonnes during the project's useful life
- check_circle Increase in the production of clean and renewable energy
- check_circle Job creation, prioritising local labour
- check_circle Reinforcement of the stability and quality of electricity supply
This is an important project for Mozambique. It is a solar energy project, which is a renewable and clean energy source, so it is a positive thing.
By conducting an environmental impact assessment, we analyse the potential impacts of the project on the environment. If we identify potential negative impacts, we propose mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce these impacts on the biological environment, habitats, flora and fauna, as well as the socioeconomic environment, encompassing the people living in the area and their land.