Global South Utilities Boosts Solar Power Capacity in Yemen

Strategic Insights -

Amidst Yemen's growing power challenges, the UAE-based energy and water infrastructure company Global South Utilities has launched a new 53-megawatt solar power plant in Ataq City, developed in collaboration with Yemen's Ministry of Electricity and Energy. The project, expected to generate enough electricity to power 330,000 households, is part of the company's efforts to expand reliable, clean power access in Yemen's urban and rural communities. The plant's inauguration is a significant step in addressing the country's energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by over a decade of conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 53-megawatt solar power plant in Ataq City is expected to generate about 118,642 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 330,000 households.
  • The plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 62,727 tonnes a year.
  • The project includes a 15-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system to stabilize supply during peak demand.
  • The Shabwah plant will contribute to expanding reliable, clean power access in Yemen's urban and rural communities, improving quality of life and reducing fuel dependence.
  • Global South Utilities plans to double the capacity of Aden solar PV plant, Yemen's first and largest solar power facility, to 240MW by 2026.
  • The expanded Aden facility will generate enough electricity to power 687,000 homes, equivalent to removing over 85,000 cars from the road.
  • The expansion will strengthen energy security in Yemen, reduce reliance on imported fuel, and improve air quality.

Statistics:

  • 53MW capacity of the new solar power plant in Ataq City.
  • 118,642 megawatt-hours of electricity generated annually by the Ataq plant.
  • 330,000 households powered by the Ataq plant.
  • 62,727 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions reduced annually by the Ataq plant.
  • 15-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system included in the project.
  • 194,000 solar panels used in the second phase of the Aden solar PV plant.
  • 687,000 homes powered by the expanded Aden facility.
  • 247,462 megawatt-hours of electricity generated annually by the expanded Aden facility.
  • 285,000 tonnes of annual carbon dioxide emissions reduced by the expanded Aden facility, equivalent to removing over 85,000 cars from the road.

Sources:

  • Global South Utilities (GSU) statement, dated [no date provided]
  • GSU statement on Aden solar PV plant expansion, dated [no date provided]
  • UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), report on Yemen's electricity crisis, dated June [no year provided]
  • World Bank report on Yemen's economic situation, dated June [no year provided]
  • UN Development Programme (UNDP) statement on decentralized off-grid initiatives, dated January [no year provided]