São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurates the first photovoltaic power plant

The first photovoltaic (PV) powerplant in São Tomé and Príncipe was installed on August 25th, on the premises of the Santo Amaro Diesel Powerplant as foreseen by the installation project and reported by ALER here.

The PV powerplant, inaugurated by the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, Jorge Bom Jesus, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), had a cost of 700 thousand euros and will have an estimated capacity of 540kwp.

It is planned, during a second phase, that the powerplant's infrastructure will be reinforced, allowing the installed power increase to 1.7 MWp, reaching a maximum power of 2.2 MWp. For this second phase, the project will be financed by the African Development Bank and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

As a result, of the second phase of implementation, the Water and Electricity Company (EMAE) will reduce fuel consumption for electricity production by 10%.

“Sustainable energy in these beautiful and clean islands is a priority”, said Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP representative in São Tomé and Príncipe, adding that “UNDP and the United Nations, will always advocate for the government to urgently implement renewable energy".

Additionally, the rehabilitation of the small hydro power station, under the responsibility of the World Bank, are reaching its final stage. This rehabilitation will enable the increase of hydropower production to 3 megawatts.

Osvaldo Abreu, Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted that “adding these two megawatts from the PV plant to the meter plant, we would have a contribution of 20 to 25% of renewable energy in our electricity production matrix. That is the objective of this government for our population, for our society”.

The connection of these infrastructures to the national electricity grid is the responsibility of UNIDO with resources from the GEF.

Source: Telanon & RSTP