UAE’s Masdar to develop its first solar plant in Angola

Abu Dhabi renewables company Masdar will develop its first solar power project in Angola to help support the Central African nation’s energy transition.

The company has signed a power purchase agreement for the 150-megawatt Quipungo solar photovoltaic project, UAE state-run Wam news agency reported.

Quipungo is the first contracted site under “Project Royal Sable”, a planned 500MW renewable energy programme across three areas that will support Angola’s southern power grid.

The portfolio, once completed, is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and deliver clean electricity to 300,000 homes.

“Africa is the world’s fastest-growing continent and that growth will depend on affordable, secure energy,” Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said.

No financial details were given.

Further reading:

• Masdar’s first battery storage project in the UK begins operations
• Masdar confirms leaving ReNew buyout consortium
• Masdar to increase bond issuances to fund renewables push

Masdar’s joint venture Infinity Power operates 1.3 gigawatts of solar and onshore wind power projects in South Africa, Egypt and Senegal. It has a 13.8GW project pipeline, including battery storage and green hydrogen facilities, at various stages of development. 

The addition of Project Royal Sable will contribute to Masdar’s target of 100GW portfolio capacity by 2030, a statement from the company said.

The UAE company has developed and partnered on projects in more than 40 countries, cutting 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. It is held 43 percent by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned Taqa, 33 percent by Mubadala and 24 percent by Adnoc.