UAE’s GSU to Build Big Solar Plant in Madagascar

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: WAM

UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a company that invests in resources and energy, has signed two important agreements with the Government of Madagascar to help the country use more renewable energy.

The first agreement is with Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons. Under this deal, GSU will build a solar power plant in Moramanga. This solar plant will produce 50 megawatts of electricity. Along with it, they will set up a battery system that can store 25 megawatt-hours of energy. This battery will help keep the power supply stable even when there is no sunlight.

This project will lead to a Power Purchase Agreement with JIRAMA, which is Madagascar's national electricity company. When the project is completed, it will make the Antananarivo Interconnected Network stronger and reduce the country’s use of fossil fuels like oil and coal. The project is planned to be finished within 12 months.

The second agreement between GSU and the Government of Madagascar is about working together on more clean energy projects in the future. They want to build projects that can produce up to 250 megawatts of power in total. Before starting, they will do a detailed study to check if these projects are possible technically, environmentally, and economically.

The agreements were signed at the Iavoloha State Palace in front of Madagascar’s President, Andry Rajoelina. The signing was done by Olivier Jean-Baptiste, Madagascar’s Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, and Ali Alshimmari, who is the Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities.

Ali Alshimmari said, “This agreement is very important because it will help bring clean and reliable energy to people in the Global South. We are happy to work with Madagascar on this project which will improve energy security, boost economic growth, and make the country stronger against climate change.”

These agreements show that both Madagascar and the UAE want to work together on big and sustainable infrastructure projects to improve lives and protect the environment.