The photovoltaic power plant is now operational, ensuring “green” electricity and supplying energy to over 170,000 families, saving more than 19 million liters of fuel. The Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA) will inaugurate the Saurimo Photovoltaic Park in Lunda Sul, with João Baptista Borges officiating tomorrow, April 2, 2024. With an installed capacity of 26.13 megawatts (MW), this park will produce “green” electricity for 171,565 people.
The Government of Angola aims to diversify the country’s energy mix, according to the “Energy Angola 2025” plan, targeting approximately 60% of the rural population for access to electricity. Valued at 38.8 million euros, the project includes 44,850 solar panels and will generate over 49,000 MWh per year. To distribute this energy, a 15 kV medium voltage line will connect the solar park to the switching station, with provisions for future connections to the Tchicumina, Nhama, and Hidrochicapa interconnection line switching stations. This initiative will save more than 19 million liters of fuel annually and prevent the emission of over 68,000 tons of CO2 each year. The Saurimo Photovoltaic Park is part of a set of seven parks, totaling 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.
Developed by an international consortium of Sun Africa and MCA, with MCA responsible for engineering and construction, the seven solar 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 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 in fuel import costs. João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
