Angola Secures landmark 150WM Solar Project from Masdar

Abu Dhabi-based energy company Masdar has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 150MW Quipungo Solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Angola. 

The top leads from the companies and Angola greenlighted the deal during the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) General Assembly at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This is the first of its kind for the UAE-headquartered renewables developer in the country despite operating in several other African countries with Angola boasting the fifth-largest African solar PV market by capacity in 2024. 

The plant in Huila Province will supply electricity to the nation's southern power grid through an arrangement with Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade, the state-backed transmission company.

The Quipungo Solar PV project is the first contracted facility of Masdar’s Project Royal Sable, a 500MW renewable energy initiative to be situated in about three locations in Angola.

The extended PPA secures electricity offtake from the site and establishes the commercial foundation for further expansion under Project Royal Sable.

The chief executive officer of the company, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, asserted: “The Quipungo PPA demonstrates how long-term partnerships and structured offtake arrangements can accelerate the deployment of utility-scale renewables that support national clean energy ambitions, economic development and job creation, providing reliable, affordable clean power to local communities.”

He added: “Africa is the world’s fastest-growing continent and that growth will depend on affordable, secure energy. As a pioneer of renewables in Africa, Masdar is committed to developing clean energy across the region.”

Upon completion, the wider programme aims to support increased generation capacity, with expectations of supplying power to approximately 300,000 households and creating more than 2,000 job opportunities.