The construction of three Photovoltaic Power Plants in eastern Angola has enabled coverage of 30% of the population’s electricity needs, strengthening the energy capacity consumed in the provinces of Moxico, Lunda-Sul, and Lunda-Norte. According to the Public Electricity Production Company (PRODEL), the population in the east now benefits from electricity generated from sunlight, interconnected with the Regional Electricity System.
These plants cover 30% of the existing demand, according to PRODEL data. The company reported that three photovoltaic plants are operational in the east, namely: the Luena Photovoltaic Plant (Moxico), producing about 20.7 MW through 42,680 solar panels, installed over an area of 54 hectares.
The second photovoltaic plant, according to PRODEL, has a total of 44,850 solar panels, is located in Saurimo (Lunda Sul) over 41 hectares, and also has an electric capacity of 20.7 MW.
In eastern Angola, there is also the third Photovoltaic Plant, located in Lucapa (Lunda-Norte), inaugurated this year by the Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges. This plant has a capacity of 7.07 MW, making it the smallest, composed of 12,090 solar panels, built on an area of 14 hectares. These solar energy projects are part of the “Energia Angola 2025” plan.
PRODEL explains that the three photovoltaic plants were built to increase electricity capacity, produce sustainable energy, and reduce fossil fuel (diesel) consumption.
They also emphasize that the solar system contributes to reducing pollutant emissions in the atmosphere and generating employment for young people.
Other Projects Across the Country
In addition to the eastern region, solar plants have already been inaugurated in the municipalities of Biópio and Baía Farta in Benguela province. These projects have a combined capacity of 285 MW, with an investment exceeding €300 million.
The photovoltaic plant in Biópio has become the largest solar energy project in Angola, with an installed capacity of 188.8 MW, enough to supply electricity to over one million people.
The project totals over 500,000 solar panels, distributed across two parks that are part of a set of seven, with a total capacity of 370 MWp, spread across the provinces of Benguela, Huambo, Bié, Lunda-Norte, Lunda-Sul, and Moxico.
The photovoltaic plant built in Baía Farta has an installed capacity of 96 MW, feeding into the national electricity grid and powered by over 261,000 solar panels.
In Angola, photovoltaic energy projects are also underway in Huíla, Cuando Cubango, Cunene, Namibe, Luanda, Cabinda, Malanje, and Bié.
Source: O País
