Angola celebrates concession contract for the launch of the first Solar powerplant in Huíla

TotalEnergies, subsidiary of the ALER member Total Eren, together with Sonagás and Greentech announced on September 22nd the signing of the concession contract for the installation and operation of a photovoltaic solar powerplant “Quilemba”, located in the city of Lubango, capital of the province of Huíla, with an installed capacity of 35 MW of solar energy, in a first phase, to which 45 MW should be added in a later phase.

The concession, with the authorization of the Instituto Regulador dos Serviços de Electricidade e Água (IRSEA) of the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola, provides for the construction of the powerplant in 2023, its entry into operation in 2024 and an operation of the unit for 25 years.

The Quilemba project will be carried out under the independent energy producer (IPP) model, where the entire investment is ensured by the project's promoters (TotalEnergies Angola 51%, Sonagás 30% and Greentech 19%).

When operational, this powerplant will supply competitive solar energy to the Angolan grid and will allow fuel savings estimated at more than 20 million dollars (USD) per year, compared to existing thermal powerplants.