Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU) has inaugurated a 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Sakaï, the largest infrastructure project in the Central African Republic’s history.
The facility increases the country’s electricity generation
capacity by more than 60 per cent.
"It is a project of historic national importance that
will help shape the future of the Central African Republic. It reflects the
power of partnership, the importance of keeping commitments - delivered in 10
months- and a shared belief in a better future for the Central African
Republic,” said Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
of Global South Utilities.
The project combines the 50 MW solar plant with a 15 MWh
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), designed to strengthen grid stability and
improve access to reliable, clean electricity.
Built with more than 80,000 solar panels and 156 inverters,
the project was completed with 448,880 safe man-hours.
It is expected to provide clean electricity to more than
300,000 households while reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than
50,000 tonnes.
The expanded power capacity is expected to support economic
development by improving electricity access for healthcare, education and
public services, while enabling businesses and industries to expand and
attracting new investment.
The inauguration was attended by Faustin-Archange Touadéra,
President of the Central African Republic, alongside senior government
officials, GSU representatives and project partners.
"Every successful infrastructure project begins with a
shared vision, but it is partnership that turns that vision into reality,"
said Alshimmari.
"We thank the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, whose
concessional financing was instrumental in enabling the delivery of this
project. For GSU, this is another step in building enduring partnerships across
Africa and contributing to the continent's long-term economic and social
development," he added.
The Sakaï project follows GSU’s solar development in Chad and expands the UAE-based company’s energy infrastructure portfolio across Africa, Central Asia and South America. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service