Government authorities in Aden, southern Yemen, announced the initiation of trial operations for the country’s first solar power generation station on Monday. Supported by the UAE, this initiative addresses persistent power shortages in the city.
The trial involves generating approximately 20 to 30 per cent of the station’s 120-megawatt capacity, with full-scale operations expected within the next three months. This groundbreaking project represents Yemen’s foremost strategic effort to utilize clean and renewable energy sources for electricity.
Aden, serving as Yemen’s temporary capital, has faced challenges in public services, particularly electricity provision, since its liberation from Houthi forces in April 2015.
An official from the Aden Electricity Corporation informed Reuters on Monday that the initial phase of the project carries an estimated cost of around USD 100 million, generously supported by the UAE.
The current capacity of the station is 120 megawatts, with plans for expansion to 600 megawatts in the second phase over the coming years. This ambitious undertaking aims not only to address immediate power challenges in the city but also signifies a significant stride toward sustainable energy solutions in Yemen.
The UAE-sponsored solar power station in Yemen commenced operations on Monday, heralding the country’s largest and most strategic clean and renewable energy project to date.
Earlier today, the governor of Aden, Ahmed Lamlas, inaugurated the gradual commissioning of the solar power plant, which is a strategic move towards alleviating Yemen’s heavy reliance on costly fuel-powered stations, which have historically drained the government’s resources by over $100 million each month.
The plant’s initial phase is generating 20 to 30 percent of its total 120-megawatt capacity, with expectations to reach full capacity within three months, significantly enhancing Aden’s electricity supply.
This venture is a tribute to the UAE’s continued support, echoing the philanthropic spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It aligns with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to aiding Yemen’s shift to renewable energy.
Occupying a vast area of 1.6 million square meters in Aden’s “Bir Ahmed” district, the solar facility is a marvel of modern engineering, designed to endure extreme weather and potentially expand its capacity up to 650 megawatts. This scalability demonstrates the project’s foresight and adaptability to future energy needs.
Additionally, the agreement includes the construction of transmission lines and substations to distribute the generated electricity, enhancing the efficiency of power generation during daylight hours and reducing the need for fuel in power stations, thereby contributing to environmental preservation through lower carbon emissions.
According to Yemeni officials in the electricity and energy sector, the operational solar plant encompasses not just a solar field but also a transmission line, marking a strategic project in itself.
Aden has previously suffered from a lack of energy transmission and distribution projects and interconnected networks between districts. The construction and preparations for the solar power plant began in December 2022, with continuous efforts throughout 2023, aiming for completion by 2024.
The UAE’s support through the 120-megawatt solar power plant is expected to alleviate the frequent electricity outages experienced by the populace, saving substantial amounts spent on leased stations and diesel fuel, estimated at about $100 million monthly, according to the Yemeni government.
This groundbreaking project not only signifies a monumental step towards renewable energy in Yemen but also embodies the enduring partnership and support extended by the UAE, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for Aden and its residents.
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The UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the signing of a joint cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in Yemen, and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, to provide the interim capital, Aden, with a solar power plant with a total capacity of 120 megawatts.
The agreement was signed on the Yemeni side by the Minister of Electricity, Engineer Manea bin Yameen, and the local authority in the interim capital, Aden, represented by the Minister of State, Governor of the capital, Ahmed Hamid Lamlas, and on the Emirati side, Eng. The future is Masdar.
The agreement provides for the establishment of a solar power plant with a capacity of 120 megawatts per hour. The agreement also includes the construction of transmission lines and transformer stations for the transmission and distribution of the energy that will be generated by the station, in addition to a number of items related to the conditions and obligations between the two parties.
The energy in Yemen will reduce the cost of generating electricity during daylight hours, as well as the need for fuel for power plants, and will also contribute to preserving the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
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