Abu Dhabi‘s renewable energy leader, Masdar, has officially signed a power purchase agreement to develop the Kueibongu solar project with a capacity of 150 megawatts in Angola. This landmark deal marks the company’s first venture into the Angolan energy market and is part of a broader strategy to enhance renewable energy access in the region. The Kueibongu project stands as the first site contracted within the Royal Sable initiative, a comprehensive renewable energy program aiming to generate a total of 500 megawatts across three locations.
Significance of the Kueibongu Project
The Kueibongu solar project is poised to play a crucial role in stabilizing the electricity grid in southern Angola while also supporting the nation’s sustainable development priorities. The power purchase agreement was signed during the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with key figures present, including Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al Bloushi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and João Baptista Borges, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water.
Details of the Agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, electricity will be supplied long-term from the Kueibongu photovoltaic solar plant, located in Huíla Province in southern Angola. This deal lays the foundation for the gradual implementation of a more extensive portfolio of renewable energy projects, ultimately targeting a total capacity of 500 megawatts. Upon completion, the project is expected to create over 2,000 job opportunities and provide clean electricity to around 300,000 homes, significantly enhancing the electricity production capabilities in the region.
Commitment to Renewable Energy
The Royal Sable initiative exemplifies Masdar‘s commitment to developing large-scale, financeable infrastructure in the renewable energy sector within emerging markets. It aims to bolster national energy strategies while expanding the deployment of clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, remarked, “The power purchase agreement for the Kueibongu project, signed at IRENA’s 16th Assembly, is a testament to the dedication shown by the UAE and Masdar.” He underscored the project’s potential to enhance Angola’s electricity framework and broaden access to clean energy, thereby improving countless lives and boosting investor confidence in Africa’s energy transformation.
Future of Renewable Energy in Africa
Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized the increasing energy demand across the African continent. “Africa is the fastest-growing continent, and this growth hinges on securing affordable and reliable energy.” The signing of Masdar‘s first power purchase agreement in Angola is a significant step in advancing this endeavor. He noted that the Kueibongu project emphasizes the importance of long-term partnerships and clear power purchase frameworks in accelerating the rollout of utility-scale renewable energy projects, ultimately contributing to national clean energy goals, economic development, and job creation.
Masdar is currently the largest operator of renewable energy in Africa through its joint venture Infinity Power, which operates solar and wind projects with a total capacity of 1.3 gigawatts in South Africa, Egypt, and Senegal. The company is also developing a portfolio of projects totaling 13.8 gigawatts, which includes battery storage systems and green hydrogen facilities at various stages of development. The Royal Sable project represents a vital addition to Masdar‘s portfolio, bolstering its aspirations to increase its total projects to 100 gigawatts by 2030.