Masdar signs a power purchase agreement to develop a project "Kwibongo" Solar PV in Angola
ABU DHABI, 11 JANUARY / WAM / Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, announced the signing of a power purchase agreement to develop the 150 MW Quibungo solar photovoltaic project in the Republic of Angola, in a step that is the first of its kind for the company in the country.
The Kwibongo project is the first site to be contracted within the “Royal Sable” project, which is an integrated renewable energy program with a total capacity of 500 MW distributed over three sites. This project will contribute to enhancing the stability of the electricity network in southern Angola and supporting the country’s sustainable development priorities.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), within the activities of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency João Baptista Borges, Minister of Energy and Water of Angola, His Excellency Julio Belarmino Gomez Maiato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the UAE, Francisco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Mohammed Jameel. Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, and it was signed on behalf of Masdar by Abdulaziz Al Obaidli, Chief Operating Officer, and on behalf of the National Electricity Transmission Company by Mauro Hernani Ferreira Martins, Executive Director of Market Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
The PPA provides for the long-term supply of electricity from the 150 MW Kwibongo solar photovoltaic plant, located in the Huila Province of southern Angola. With the development of the first major commercial-scale station within the “Royal Sable” project, this agreement forms the basis for the gradual implementation of a broader portfolio of renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 500 MW. Upon completion of its development, the station is expected to contribute to creating more than 2,000 job opportunities, supplying about 300,000 homes with clean electricity, in addition to enhancing the production capacity of the electricity network in southern Angola. The Royal Sable project reflects Masdar’s commitment to developing large-scale, bankable renewable energy infrastructure in emerging markets, supporting national energy strategies, while expanding the deployment of clean, reliable and cost-effective energy solutions.
Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said: “The PPA for the Quibungo project, which was signed during the 16th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, is a testament to the work and commitment of the UAE and Masdar, with the support of IRENA’s Energy Transition Finance Acceleration (ETAF) platform, to transform national energy plans around the world into concrete projects. The Quibungo solar PV project will contribute to strengthening the electricity system in “Angola and expanding access to clean, reliable electricity, improving the lives of thousands and strengthening investor confidence in Africa’s energy transition.”
For his part, Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: “Africa is the fastest growing continent in the world, and this growth depends on providing safe and affordable energy. As a pioneer in the renewable energy sector in Africa, Masdar is committed to developing clean energy projects across the continent, and Masdar’s signing of the first power purchase agreement in Angola is an important step that supports these efforts. The Quibongo project reflects the importance of long-term partnerships and power purchasing arrangements based on clear frameworks in accelerating the deployment of energy projects.” Renewable energy at the utility level, which contributes to achieving national clean energy goals, promoting economic development, and providing job opportunities, in addition to providing local communities with clean, reliable, low-cost energy.”
Masdar is currently the largest renewable energy operator on the African continent, through its joint venture, Infinity Power, which currently operates solar and onshore wind energy projects with a total capacity of 1.3 gigawatts in South Africa, Egypt and Senegal, in addition to a portfolio of projects under development with a capacity of 13.8 gigawatts in various stages of development, including battery systems for energy storage and green hydrogen facilities in various stages of development. The Royal Sable project represents an important addition to Masdar’s portfolio of projects, and enhances the company’s efforts to raise the total capacity of its projects to 100 gigawatts by 2030.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
