Solar Panel
Representative Image UNSPLASH

AMEA Power, a Dubai-based renewable energy developer, has won a 120-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in South Africa.

The $120 million (over R2 Billion) photovoltaic project, located in the northwest province of South Africa, will sell electricity to state utility Eskom under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The construction for the project is set to begin in mid-2023 and will use over 45 percent of local materials and resources.

Once completed, it will produce 325GWh of clean energy annually and power 25,000 households - totaling an offset of 290,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to AMEA.

AMEA Power is the majority shareholder in a $120 million project that will see African women take control of the energy sector. The consortium, which is wholly owned by African women, will be responsible for the development and implementation of the project.

AMEA Power is also exploring opportunities with several entities across South Africa to provide them access to renewable energy, the statement read.

The company had already been tapped to build two solar plants in Morocco earlier in the year. But the UAE isn't the only one with its eye on renewable energy opportunities in Africa. Neighboring Saudi Arabia is also looking to enhance its presence in the continent. ACWA Power, a Saudi energy firm, signed a deal with South Africa in October to develop green hydrogen production.

Read more

  • UK, South Africa Sign MoU On Hydrogen Collaboration

The South African government has announced plans to increase the country's use of renewable energy, aiming to source 41% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The move is in line with the government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy stability across the country.

The UAE's announcement to reach net zero emissions by 2050 has put them on the map as the first country in the Mena region to come up with a concrete climate commitment plan.

The Gulf country, which hosts a large African diaspora, is keen on building new partnerships based on historical ties with African nations - one major area of interest being sustainability with a focus on renewable energy.