AMEA Power operates in 20 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Headquartered in Dubai, the renewable energy company is driven towards ambitious growth by a team of experienced professionals. Senior Director of Business Development Hussein Matar discussed green technologies and impactful projects. Report by Antonia Cole.
ASa company, AMEA Power is committed to supporting economic progress and community welfare, Senior Director of Business Development Hussein Matar said: “We commissioned, in record time, the first solar IPP project in Togo, and have two of the largest solar PV and wind projects in Africa currently under construction in Egypt. We are very proud of these achievements, demonstrating our dedication to people and commitment to decarbonisation.”
With an advanced project pipeline of more than 6GW, AMEA Power is a leader in the transition to a low-carbon world. Investing in wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen and water desalination, specifically in Africa, the company is at the forefront of renewable development.
AMEA Power employs more than 90 people, all of whom share the common goal of build-
ing a more sustainable future. Industry experts collaborate within the company to expand AMEA Power’s project portfolio and deliver reliable clean energy to target regions.
“We build renewable energy infrastructure to support a low-carbon energy system,” added Mr Matar. “We work with local stakeholders to develop programmes that directly benefit individuals. Protecting the environment and communities go hand-in-hand, so both are fundamental aspects of our operation.”
Caring for biodiversity
Throughout projects, AMEA Power carefully identifies biodiversity priority areas, applies a preventive approach to minimise the impacts of projects, then promotes offset compensation to protect and restore the surrounding natural environment. Recently, it partnered with Nature Conservation Egypt, a BirdLife International partner. This agreement focuses
on retrofitting overhead power lines in the Gulf of Suez area, helping protect thousands of migratory birds annually.
“We worked on the 500MW Amunet Wind Project, located on the western coast of the Gulf of Suez in Egypt,” explained Vito Saluto, Head of ESG at AMEA Power. “During the biodiversity studies, we identified the presence of the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, a species classified as ‘vulnerable’ according to the IUCN Red List.
“Surveys showed a high density of burrows in an area expected to host the foundations of wind turbines and access roads. To minimise the impact on this species, our local ESG
team implemented key mitigation measures. Crucially, we translocated the lizards during their hibernation period to reduce disturbance. This activity was undertaken in collaboration with our ecological consultants and led by the IFC and WSP. After hibernation, the lizards were released to the wild, and the team restored their habitat.”
In line with its sustainability goals, AMEA Power has implemented a cost-effective and eco-friendly dry-cleaning solution for solar panels. Automated robotic cleaners, equipped with soft brushes and air blowers, gently remove dust and debris without damaging the panels. This maintains high plant efficiency
Sungrow
Sungrow and AMEA Power have a profound and enduring partnership, working together on the 500MW Abydos PV project in Egypt and the 70MW solar initiative in Togo. This collaboration is further strengthened by long-term service agreements and close technical exchanges. Sungrow has actively invited AMEA Power to participate in the Global Green Energy Summit in China, plus PV and BESS Technical Seminars in the UAE, highlighting their joint dedication to technical excellence and fostering innovation.
while preventing water waste, pollution and soil erosion. By optimising the longevity of PV installations and minimising environmental impacts, this solution balances operational efficiency with sustainability.
“We are committed to creating enduring economic, social and environmental benefits for the communities where we operate,” Mr Saluto continued. “Our local teams collaborate closely with state governments, municipalities and community members to implement sustainable contributions.”
AMEA Power tailors a Community Investment and Development Programme for each project. In Burkina Faso, following the commissioning of a 26.6MW solar PV project earlier this year, the company launched the ‘100 Street Solar Lighting’ initiative. This project aims to illuminate streets in seven villages near the site, enhancing community well-being, safety and security.
Throughout various projects, AMEA Power implements training courses, internships, school renovations, provides medical resources, environmental education and more, within the local communities.
Significant milestones
The company’s project in Togo saw efficient operations and comprehensive support to the local community. From constructing three and renovating four primary schools, to providing free electrification for seven and a clean water supply station, providing drinking water to over 190 students. AMEA Power launched initiatives to support academic development for the local younger generation, including an internship programme for students at local universities.
AMEA Power built a maternity and a clinic, supplied with medical equipment, has distributed essential food and hygiene products to
over 2,200 families and planted more than 64,490 trees, through a reforestation initiative.
“This project represents our ability to overcome challenging environments, such as Covid 19,” commented Mr Matar. “Despite global difficulties, we constructed this project at record speed. However, we are most proud of our initiatives in supporting the local communities.”
Recently, AMEA Power accomplished many milestones in the development of significant projects. The company successfully installed the last PV module and energised the Abydos 220KV substation at the 500MW Abydos Solar PV Project in September 2024. The Amunet Wind Project reached 80% total progress, with half of the wind turbines installed.
AMEA Power recently partnered with Power Africa, a US Government-led initiative to eliminate energy poverty across sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership aligns with AMEA
Power’s target of 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030, mobilising USD 5 billion.
Furthermore, AMEA Power landed two landmark renewable energy projects in Egypt’s Aswan Governorate. The first project, a 1,000MW solar PV power plant with a 600MWh BESS in the Benban area is the largest Solar PV and BESS project in Africa. The second project, a 300MWh BESS, expands the company’s existing 500MW Abydos Solar PV power plant currently under construction in Kom Ombo.
In August 2024, AMEA Power signed a Power Purchase Agreement and Implementation Agreement with Ethiopian Electric Power to develop and operate the 300MW Aysha-1 wind energy project in Ethiopia. Additionally, the company broke ground on the Ituka 24MWp Solar PV project in Uganda.
Towards the end of 2023, AMEA Power closed a $75 million equity funding round from
SoftBank Group Corp, a Japanese investment holding company. This propelled AMEA Power forward within the market and encouraged future investments on an international scale.
Growth opportunities
The renewable energy market is steadily expanding, so AMEA Power sees the potential for rapid growth.
“Wind and solar power, particularly, are very quick to deploy, yet effective solutions for areas with a requirement for power,” said Mr Matar. “AMEA Power can progress these projects even faster due to the efficiency of our operation. We ensure quality, sustainability and longevity, as well as reliability and deliver on time.”
Decarbonisation is a growing topic, especially within the mining sector in Africa. AMEA
Power hopes to introduce renewable energy into this industry to complement existing infrastructure. It is important for the company to build longstanding relationships founded on mutual respect with suppliers, such as with Sungrow.
“We maintain strong relationships with key equipment manufacturers,” continued Mr Matar. “Being competitive in terms of time, quality and price is key to our partnerships and facilitates our future success.”
The company hopes to continue to grow within the wind, solar and battery storage sectors, with further expansion throughout Africa, the Middle East and, more specifically, into emerging Asia. AMEA Power will continue working with mining companies to decarbonise projects and build a more sustainable industry. n
