As one of the world’s largest renewable energy developers, UAE-based Masdar’s recent Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is particularly notable. This agreement is for the Quipungo Solar PV project in Huila Province, Angola. This significant development is part of the larger Project Royal Sable, which aims to expand renewable energy initiatives across the region. The Quipungo Solar PV project is therefore the first contracted facility under this ambitious 500MW renewable energy initiative.
the Quipungo Solar PV project, which is expected to strengthen Angola’s southern electricity grid. Once constructed, it will help power the homes of nearly 300,000 residential customers. Up to now, the project’s primary focus has been on increasing generation capacity. It is projected to generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases. Besides providing a local answer to energy needs, this investment spurs economic development in the local community.
Governments from the UAE and Angola in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, at the 16th IRENA Assembly. They were accompanied by counterparts from Masdar and IRENA to sign the cooperation agreement. The success of this collaboration speaks volumes about the commitment of everyone at the table. Together, they’re advancing innovative renewable energy solutions in Angola and strengthening the country’s clean energy aspirations.
In his keynote, Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, highlighted the role and value of partnerships on the path to realizing sustainable energy objectives.
“The Quipungo PPA demonstrates how long-term partnerships and structured offtake arrangements can accelerate the deployment of utility-scale renewables that support national clean energy ambitions, economic development and job creation, providing reliable, affordable clean power to local communities.” – Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi
At 50MW, the Quipungo Solar PV project is relatively modest compared to Masdar’s overall development pipeline in Africa, which amounts to an impressive 13.8GW. Today, the company runs renewable projects in 10 African countries with a portfolio of operational assets totaling 1.3GW.
IRENA’s Director-General, H.E. Francesco LaCamera, similarly celebrated the importance of this project.
“The Quipungo PPA is a testimony of the work and commitment that the UAE and Masdar, supported through IRENA’s Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, are doing to turn national energy plans into concrete projects.” – H.E. Francesco LaCamera