Masdar to develop 5GW of renewable energy projects in Angola, Uganda and Zambia

Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy champion, has signed agreements at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2023 with Angola, Uganda and Zambia to develop renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of up to 5GW.

The agreements were signed under the umbrella of the Etihad 7 initiative, a UAE-led initiative that aims to raise public- and private-sector funds to invest in the development of Africa’s renewable energy sector. The aim is to achieve 20GW capacity to supply 100 million people across the continent with clean electricity by 2035. The agreements are:

• An agreement with Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water for the development of renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 2 GW.

• An agreement with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development for the development of greenfield renewable projects with a total installed capacity of 1 GW.

• An agreement with Zambia’s Ministry of Energy, and Zambian national utility ZESCO Limited for the joint development of develop solar, wind, and hydroelectricity projects with a total capacity of 2GW. HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 president designate, and chairman of Masdar, said, “These landmark agreements, which aim to deliver up to 5GW of energy to Angola, Uganda, and Zambia, follow last year’s signing of a 2GW agreement for renewable energy projects in Tanzania. These further agreements will be transformative to local communities and will help African nations to drive economic growth for their people while still meeting net-zero objectives.”

Masdar has already established a considerable presence in Africa, having formed its Infinity Power Holding joint venture with Egypt’s Infinity to target opportunities on the continent.