Sun Africa and M Couto Alves, part of the EPC conglomerate, on behalf of Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water, are developing seven solar power projects in Angola.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will supply the main electrical infrastructure to connect the project to the country’s transmission network.
The initiative is being financed under the Swedish Export Credit System (the Swedish Export Credit Corporation and Swedish Export Credit Agency), which aims to raise investment in Swedish sustainable technology globally
The initial stage of the project will include the construction of a
- 188 MW solar power plant in Biopio in Benguela Province.
“This is one of the largest and most significant photovoltaic projects delivered,” says Niklas Persson, the managing director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ Grid Integration business unit. “We are contributing pioneering technology to enable MCA to integrate more renewables and electrify rural areas, while maintaining a stable network. Our role is to develop the project from idea to energisation – ultimately shaping a reliable and sustainable energy future for Angola.”
Six other solar power plants will follow, including
- 7MW plant in Benguela in Benguela province,
- 01MW plant in Saurimo, Luanda Sul, another
- 91MW solar facility in Luena, Moxico,
- 65MW solar plant, in Cuito, Bié,
- 99MW plant in Bailundo, Huambo province, to electrify homes in the southern African country.
- 20MW plant in Lucapa, Lunda Norte
Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ scope of work will include the design, main power equipment supplies, testing and commissioning of the project. It is based on an in-depth grid impact study into the customer’s unique requirements to determine in advance the best way to achieve the integration of the Angolan government’s renewable energy programme.
Financing and development partners include ING Bank, SEK, EKN, DBSA and KSURE, and the Swedish and US governments.
Angola is Africa’s seventh largest nation, with approximately 30-million inhabitants and a rapidly growing economy.
The project supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 – ensuring that all people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The initiative will also help to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
