The photovoltaic power plant begins operation to ensure “green” electricity and provide energy to over 170,000 families, saving more than 19 million liters of fuel. The Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA), represented by João Baptista Borges, will inaugurate the Saurimo Photovoltaic Park in Lunda Sul tomorrow, April 2, 2024. With an installed capacity of 26.13 megawatts (MW), this park will supply “green” electricity to 171,565 people.
The Angolan Government’s “Energy Angola 2025” plan aims to diversify the country’s energy matrix, reaching about 60% of the rural population with access to electricity. Valued at 38.8 million euros, the project includes 44,850 solar panels and will generate over 49,000 MWh annually. To distribute this energy, a 15 kV medium voltage line will be built to connect the solar park to the switching station, with preparations for future connections to the Tchicumina, Nhama, and Hidrochicapa interconnection line switching stations. This solution will save over 19 million liters of fuel per year and prevent the emission of more than 68 thousand tons of CO2 annually. The Saurimo Photovoltaic Park is part of a group of seven parks, with a total capacity of 370 MWp, located in the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Bié, Lunda-Norte (in Lucapa), and Moxico (in Luena), expected to be operational by the end of this year.
The seven solar parks were developed by an international consortium of Sun Africa and MCA, with MCA responsible for engineering and construction. These parks will provide renewable and clean electricity to about 2.4 million Angolans and contribute to an annual reduction of approximately one million tons of CO2.
These solar parks will also eliminate the need for about 1.4 million liters of diesel in generators and thermal production, which are highly polluting, resulting in significant savings on fuel import costs. João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
