AFRICA – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has embarked on a 10-gigawatt (GW) expansion plan across six Sub-Saharan nations, signifying a rapid stride for the UAE’s leading advocate for clean energy and bolstering the continent’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
This strategic move was unveiled during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP28) held in the UAE, aligning with the recently launched Africa Green Industrialization Initiative aimed at elevating green industries across the region.
Research conducted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and McKinsey & Company unveiled Africa’s vast theoretical potential, estimating an 850-terawatt clean energy capacity in solar and wind alone, with the potential to capture up to 10 percent of the global green hydrogen market.
These new agreements signify a commitment to fostering clean energy portfolios across multiple African markets, aiming to tap into this potential and enhance energy security for the continent’s populace.
At COP28, Masdar forged partnership agreements with governments and private entities in six African countries:
Angola: A collaboration agreement was inked for the initial 150-megawatt (MW) solar PV project in Quipungo, representing Phase I of a substantial 2GW renewable energy initiative between the UAE and the Republic of Angola.
Uganda: A Roadmap Agreement was sealed for implementing a 150MW Solar PV project under Phase I of a 1GW collaboration between Masdar and Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
The Republic of Congo: An MoU was signed between MW Energy (a Masdar subsidiary), Africa50, and the Ministry of Energy & Hydraulics of the Republic of Congo to develop 500MW of renewable energy capacity in the country.
Kenya: President William Ruto announced collaboration between the Geothermal Development Company of Kenya and Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) of Indonesia, supported by Masdar, to expand geothermal energy capacity in Kenya.
Mozambique: Infinity Power, a Masdar Infinity company, penned an MoU with Mozambique’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to explore potential opportunities for up to 1GW of renewable projects in Mozambique.
Zambia: Masdar, ZESCO, and International Resource Holdings are set to collaborate in Zambia to decarbonize mining operations through the supply of green electricity from renewable energy projects.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, emphasized, “Our growth plans aim to unlock Africa’s clean energy potential and drive its energy transition.
“Masdar’s pledge to invest US$2 billion by 2030 in Africa underlines our commitment to the UAE-led Africa Green Investment Finance Initiative, intending to mobilize a total of US$10 billion in investments to deliver 10GW of clean energy capacity across Africa by 2030.”
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