"Global South Utilities"The Emirates launches the second phase of the vision "Green berbera"

ABU DHABI, June 2, 2017 – Global South Utilities, a subsidiary of Resources Investments in Abu Dhabi, announced the start of implementation of a 12-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant project with a 70-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system in Berbera, as part of the second phase of Berbera’s green vision.

This project represents the second phase of Berbera’s transition from diesel dependence to a more flexible energy system powered by renewable energy sources, following the commissioning of Global South Utilities’ 5 MW solar power plant in the city in February 2026.

The first phase saw the construction of an 11.2-kilometre-long, 33-kV power transmission infrastructure, and marked the beginning of a broader strategy for transitioning to renewable energy, aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on imported diesel power generation in the strategic coastal city of Berbera.

The second phase witnesses a significant expansion of renewable energy generation capabilities, through the introduction of a large-scale battery energy storage system, designed to enhance grid reliability and ensure stable electricity supply during periods of peak evening demand and hours of low solar energy production.

This project, which is in line with Berbera’s goals in the energy and electricity sectors, is expected to produce about 24,000 megawatt hours of clean electricity annually, enough to supply electricity to about 67,000 homes.

The project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by gradually eliminating diesel power plants within the Berbera electricity network, which will avoid the emission of an estimated 16,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to removing more than 3,800 gasoline-powered cars from the roads annually.

Over the project’s operational life, the total emissions that will be avoided will reach more than 330,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing more than 76,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road annually, in a step that represents a tangible contribution to supporting global efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The production capacity of the first and second phases will provide enough electricity to meet the needs of about 95,000 homes annually, contributing to significantly expanding access to renewable energy in Berbera.

Once it enters the second phase of operation, Berbera will become one of the first cities in the Horn of Africa to achieve a radical shift away from fossil fuel-based energy generation, establishing a pioneering model for the transformation of the energy sector at the region level.

Ali Al-Shammari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities and Vice Chairman of Berbera Electricity Company, said:

“Phase Two represents a long-term investment in Berbera’s infrastructure and economic resilience, and the availability of reliable electricity at competitive prices is key to supporting city growth, port operation, and the expansion of industrial activities.

“By integrating large-scale solar energy production with battery energy storage systems, Berbera is strengthening its position as an economic and strategic port hub in the region, and emerging as a practical model for renewable energy-based development across the Horn of Africa.”

In February 2026, Al-Shammari announced the launch of the “Green Berbera Vision,” an integrated transformation plan that aims to transfer the electricity system in Berbera from dependence on diesel to a system that relies on renewable energy, supported by solar photovoltaic energy systems and battery energy storage technologies.

Global South Utilities owns a 45% stake in Berbera Electricity Company, the city’s sole electricity provider and currently manages a project portfolio of 20.38 MW, along with a 2 MWh energy storage system, with plans to double renewable energy capacity by 2027 within the framework of Berbera’s Green Vision.

Providing the “Berbera Economic Zone” with 100% renewable electricity is one of the main components of the project, given the importance of the region as a strategic center for trade and logistics services in the region. Providing clean, reliable energy at competitive prices is expected to contribute to enhancing the investment attractiveness of the Berbera Economic Zone to investors from various countries of the world, industrial companies, and institutions that focus on sustainability and seek to operate low-emission operations in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is expected to achieve broad economic and social value by providing local job opportunities, transferring skills, and developing human competencies in the long term.

The construction and operation work will involve engineers, technicians, construction workers and local service providers, while the operations will provide new career paths in the fields of renewable energy, battery systems management, and electrical grid operation.

Global South Utilities confirms its commitment to continuing to expand the “Green Berbera” vision and supporting the building of a sustainable and prosperous energy future for the city of Berbera.

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