Sunita Somvanshi
In a landmark move towards Africa’s energy transition, Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy giant, has unveiled a bold plan at the United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP28) in the UAE. This initiative, part of the 10GW growth plan, targets six Sub-Saharan nations: Angola, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia, aiming to tap into Africa’s massive potential for renewable energy.
Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, encapsulates the vision: “Our growth plans will help unlock Africa’s clean energy potential and further advance its energy transition.” This commitment aligns with the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, fostering green industry growth across the continent.
Africa’s clean energy capacity is vast, with a theoretical potential of 850 terawatts in solar and wind, and a potential share of 10% in the global green hydrogen market, according to a joint study by Masdar, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and McKinsey & Company. Masdar’s plan is not just about energy generation; it’s a strategic move to enhance energy security for African populations.
Key Agreements:
- Angola: A 150MWac solar PV project in Quipungo, under a 2GW renewable energy collaboration between UAE and Angola, represents the first project in this strategic partnership.
- Uganda: A roadmap agreement for a 150MW Solar PV project, part of a 1GW collaboration, was signed, as announced by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Her Excellency Robinah Nabbanja.
- Republic of Congo: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop 500MW of renewable energy capacity was signed between MW Energy (a Masdar subsidiary), Africa50, and the Ministry of Energy & Hydraulics.
- Kenya: Kenya’s President William Ruto announced a collaboration on geothermal energy development between the Geothermal Development Company of Kenya and Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) of Indonesia, with Masdar’s support.
- Mozambique: Infinity Power, a Masdar Infinity company, signed an MoU with Mozambique’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to explore up to 1GW of renewable projects. These projects could power 400,000 households and offset 3.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions over 20 years. Additionally, Masdar and Infinity are investigating floating solar PV projects in collaboration with Africa50.
- Zambia: Masdar, ZESCO, and International Resource Holdings are set to collaborate in decarbonizing mining operations, supplying green electricity from renewable energy projects to power mines.
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Masdar’s commitment extends beyond project development. By 2030, it plans to deploy US$2 billion of equity in Africa, part of the UAE-led Africa Green Investment finance Initiative. This is a step towards mobilizing US$10 billion in investments to deliver 10GW of clean energy capacity.
This strategy is more than an investment in renewable energy; it’s a blueprint for sustainable development, energy security, and environmental stewardship. By leveraging Africa’s rich solar and wind resources, Masdar is poised to transform the energy landscape, driving economic growth, and fostering a greener future for millions.
