The United Arab Emirates (UAE) clean energy company, Masdar, has signed a partnership with the energy companies of Angola, Uganda and Zambia to develop renewable energy projects of up to 5 GW.
These agreements were signed under the Etihad 7 initiative, which was launched by the United Arab Emirates last year. The aim is to build 20 GW of renewable energy capacity on the continent and thus provide 100 million people across the continent with clean electricity.
The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Shakhboot Nahyan al Nahyan said that the UAE and African countries have a strong belief that clean energy provides Africa to develop progress in economic and climate action.
Masdar CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said the new agreement follows the 2GW renewable energy development agreement the company signed with Tanzania last year and also serves to transform the country.
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In particular, Masdar will help the Angolan and Zambian governments build up to 2 GW of capacity each, while it will support the Ugandan government in building 1 GW of renewable energy projects. The projects will be built gradually over the next ten years.
Masdar ultimately aims to deliver 100 GW of clean energy globally by 2030. With the huge development and growth expected in Africa, and the current low level of clean energy deployment, Masdar sees great potential for the renewable energy sector on the continent.
Masdar has an established presence in Africa, where it created its Infinity Power Holding joint venture with Egypt’s Infinity arm to support opportunities on the continent.
In November, Masdar and Infinity Power, together with Hassan Allam Utilities, signed an agreement with the Egyptian government to develop a wind project of 10 GW, which will be one of the largest wind farms in the world when it is built. The three companies will work together on the development of green hydrogen projects in Egypt, aiming for a combined electric power of 4 GW by 2030 and a production of up to 480, 000 t/y of green hydrogen.
Masdar also has operations in Mauritania, Morocco and Seychelles.
