Cahora Bassa is planning a 4GW renewables portfolio, including a 400MW solar plant, to help meet Mozambique's goal of generating 62% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Mozambique has the potential to host the entire supply chain for electric vehicles (EVs) due to its rich graphite deposits, but faces significant obstacles. Experts express skepticism about the country's ability to become a competitive EV manufacturing center, citing the need for more investment in human capital and the improbability of creating an unsubsidized car manufacturing sector. The UNCTAD report highlights Mozambique's capital growth and graphite reserves but notes challenges in logistics, technology, and skilled labor. The geopolitics of EV production and competition between China, Europe, and the West further complicate Mozambique's entry into the market. Syrah, a company mining graphite in Mozambique, plans to refine and process it in the US due to logistical advantages. The failed example of Matchedje Motors, which ceased car production due to various constraints, illustrates the difficulties faced by the industry in Mozambique.

The article discusses the recent local elections in Mozambique, suggesting that the ruling party Frelimo has fraudulently claimed victory in nearly all municipalities except Beira. It highlights the disparity between official results and those reported by opposition parties, particularly Renamo, which claims to have won in several key cities. The piece criticizes Frelimo's control over government machinery and resources, implying that the election was neither free nor fair.

The UK government's decision to cancel the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project has sparked significant concern among institutional real estate and infrastructure investors. The move is seen as undermining trust in the UK's commitment to long-term infrastructure projects, with potential negative impacts on real estate investments in the North of England and the broader infrastructure market. Key stakeholders, including the British Property Federation and the National Infrastructure Commission, have expressed disappointment and concern over the decision's implications for economic growth and investor confidence. The article highlights the need for a review of infrastructure financing models and greater collaboration between the UK government and global investors.

Chesapeake Utilities is acquiring Florida City Gas from NextEra Energy for $923 million, including $145 million of intercompany debt. The acquisition will significantly expand Chesapeake's natural gas business in Florida, serving approximately 120,000 customers across eight counties. The deal is expected to be financed through a combination of long-term debt and equity. Executives from both companies expressed optimism about the growth and strategic benefits of the transaction.

TotalEnergies plans to restart work on the Mozambique LNG project this year, with no firm date set yet. Talks with contractors are ongoing, and the security situation is deemed satisfactory. In other news, Mozambique's major political parties, Frelimo, Renamo, and MDM, have launched their municipal election campaigns in Beira, highlighting the city's political significance.

Key events in Mozambique for 2024 include Frelimo's leadership selection, the cyclone season, the potential restart of TotalEnergies' gas project, the possible withdrawal of regional forces, and the general election. Frelimo's dominance and electoral fraud are highlighted, with Celso Correia as the frontrunner for leadership. The cyclone season poses significant risks, and TotalEnergies faces multiple challenges in restarting its LNG project. The general election is expected to be contentious, with Frelimo likely to retain power despite opposition efforts.

The British pub industry is facing a crisis, with closures attributed to various factors including the smoking ban, rising property prices, and the business practices of large pub-owning companies known as 'pubcos.' The article explores the impact of these factors through personal anecdotes and industry statistics, highlighting the struggles of pub landlords and the changing social landscape. It argues that while social changes have weakened the British pub, the outdated and often exploitative ownership models of pubcos are a significant part of the problem. The article calls for a shift towards more community-focused ownership to ensure the survival of British pubs.

Mozambique, a major exporter of green electricity in Southern Africa, has the potential to produce green hydrogen using its renewable power generation. However, significant economic and logistical challenges may hinder this development. Western countries view green hydrogen as crucial for achieving net zero carbon emissions. Despite Mozambique's renewable resources, the high cost of green hydrogen production compared to grey hydrogen poses a major obstacle. The Mozambican government is exploring the feasibility of green hydrogen production, but current electricity costs and infrastructure limitations make it unlikely to be competitive. Alternative proposals, such as blue hydrogen from gas fields, also face challenges. The future of Mozambique's hydrogen potential remains uncertain, with a focus on gas reserves for the energy transition. Key stakeholders include the International Energy Agency, the United Nations, the European Union, and companies like Jearrard Energy Resources and Sasol.

TotalEnergies is negotiating to supply up to 1,000MW of electricity to South Africa from its proposed LNG-to-power project in Matola, Mozambique. The project, developed with Gigajoule International, aims to make a final investment decision in 2024 and become operational by 2026. The electricity could be sold to Eskom and industrial users, addressing South Africa's severe power shortages. The South African government had declared a state of disaster due to the power crisis, which has since been revoked, though blackouts persist.

The British pub industry is facing a crisis with numerous closures attributed to various factors including the smoking ban, rising property prices, and the practices of large pub-owning companies known as 'pubcos'. These companies are criticized for charging high prices for beer and not supporting landlords, leading to unviable business models. Social changes and economic pressures have also contributed to the decline. There is a call for a shift towards more community-focused ownership and smarter management to save the traditional British pub.

Regius Resources Group is pursuing a new coal deposit in Mozambique for its coal-to-liquids project, according to executive chairman Cobus van Wyk. The project, which is expected to cost $2.2bn, aims to produce diesel and naphtha, generate electricity, and produce urea fertilizer. Financing is anticipated from Chinese banks, with the possibility of South African bank involvement. The project has faced no government delays and does not currently require carbon capture. Previous US financing plans were abandoned due to opposition to coal-based projects.

TotalEnergies aims to restart its Mozambique LNG project before the end of the year, according to CEO Patrick Pouyanne. He stated that Mozambican and allied forces have regained control of the situation in Cabo Delgado, as mentioned during a presentation in Paris.

Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina is set to participate in the monetization of a gas block in Mozambique's central Sofala province. The operator is also seeking contracts for power plants.

Mozambique's military has killed Ibn Omar, the leader of the insurgency in northern Mozambique, in intensive fighting in Macomia district. The death of Omar, a key figure for the Islamic State in Mozambique, is a significant blow to the insurgency but came at the cost of several Mozambican soldiers' lives. President Nyusi is meeting with Cuban counterpart Miguel Díaz-Canel. Health professionals in Mozambique have suspended all activities until their concerns are addressed. Nampula's mayor, Paulo Vahanle, survived an assassination attempt allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party Frelimo. Búzi Hydrocarbons plans to invest $120 million in gas production in Sofala province. The week also saw reports of political violence, environmental issues, and evolving international relations, particularly with Russia.

Insurgents attacked the villages of Nampanha and Mandela in Muidumbe district, Cabo Delgado province on 9 and 10 August, resulting in at least two civilians beheaded and dozens of homes burnt. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, which included kidnapping a woman and shooting a local militia member in the leg.

Hydrogen is being considered as a means to decarbonize economies, alongside electrification and biofuels, and there is a question of whether institutions should invest in hydrogen.

The article critically examines the claims made by Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO) regarding the feasibility of their hyperloop technology, particularly focusing on a feasibility study conducted by Black & Veatch for a proposed route between St Louis and Kansas City. The study did not evaluate the core technology but assumed its viability, raising questions about the reliability of the findings. The article highlights the gap between PR claims and technical realities, noting that no fully operational hyperloop exists and significant uncertainties remain about the project's costs and feasibility.

The Department for Transport announced the cancellation of plans to electrify 245km of rail routes in Wales, the Midlands, and the North, opting instead for bi-mode trains. This decision, made by transport secretary Chris Grayling, contradicts his own guidance on improving railway efficiency. Electric trains are cheaper and more efficient than diesel, and the cancellation is seen as a short-term saving that will increase long-term costs. The article criticizes the high cost and inefficiency of bi-mode trains, particularly those from Hitachi, and highlights the role of the Treasury in pushing for early project approval.

Elon Musk's hyperloop concept, despite significant media attention and private investment, has not progressed towards becoming a commercial reality. Public entities like SNCF and a Russian sovereign wealth fund have invested in hyperloop companies, raising concerns about the misuse of public funds on an unproven and potentially infeasible technology. The article argues that governments should focus on existing, reliable technologies such as high-speed rail instead of being swayed by the hyperloop hype.

The article explores the potential impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on the UK's ability to implement policies post-election. It highlights concerns that TTIP could limit government actions, such as renationalizing the NHS or implementing plain packaging for cigarettes, due to the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clause. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of TTIP, including perspectives from various political parties and organizations. The uncertainty surrounding the final terms of TTIP and its implications for future government policies is emphasized.

The decline of British pubs is attributed to various factors including beer tax, the smoking ban, rising property prices, and the practices of large pub-owning companies known as 'pubcos'. The smoking ban has had a mixed impact, with some pubs benefiting and others suffering. High street chains like JD Wetherspoon have grown, but they represent a small fraction of pubs. Pubcos, such as Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns, have been criticized for their 'beer tie' model, which forces landlords to buy beer at inflated prices, leading to financial struggles and pub closures. The 2008 financial crisis exacerbated the situation, with pubcos selling off pubs for redevelopment. Despite these challenges, there is hope for the British pub if ownership models become fairer and more community-focused.

Crossrail 2, a proposed southwest-northeast railway in London, is facing a funding gap of several billion pounds, with an estimated cost of around £25bn. The project may not spur as much redevelopment or gentrification as the original Crossrail due to a lack of attractive redevelopment sites and lower expected property development. Transport for London, the Greater London Authority, and Network Rail, which are borrowing to fund Crossrail, face a challenge as only half of Crossrail 2's cost could be met by local funding, leaving the Treasury to cover a larger share. However, Deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring suggests public funding will be smaller, and with austerity and HS2 construction, this seems plausible. PwC's analysis indicates that incremental business rates income from new developments around Crossrail 2 stations would contribute minimally to funding.

The article explores the historical and contemporary debates surrounding urban motorways, highlighting their initial promise of reducing congestion and symbolizing progress, contrasted with their eventual criticism for inducing demand and environmental degradation. It discusses various cities' experiences, including Manchester, Birmingham, San Francisco, and Portland, with urban motorways and their subsequent demolitions or expansions. The piece also touches on modern solutions like congestion charging and smart motorways, suggesting a balanced approach combining limited highway systems with advanced traffic management technologies.