• Quilemba solar facility reaches operational testing ahead of full commissioning.
  • Initial 35 MW capacity expected to supply electricity to around 40,000 households.
  • Project supports Angola’s clean energy transition and is planned to expand to 80 MW.

The 35 MW Quilemba solar facility near Lubango in Angola’s Huíla Province has entered the operational testing phase, keeping the country’s largest privately developed solar power plant on schedule for full commissioning.

The project marks an important step in Angola’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions and expand access to reliable electricity. Once fully operational, the solar plant is expected to supply power to approximately 40,000 households.

Quilemba Solar Ltd. is developing the project through a joint venture comprising TotalEnergies with a 51% stake, Sonangol with 30%, and Maurel & Prom with 19%.

The facility has been developed with an initial generation capacity of 35 MW and has been designed to support a future expansion to 80 MW.

Electricity generated by the plant will be sold under a fixed price Power Purchase Agreement, enabling the Angolan government to reduce electricity generation costs while lowering its dependence on fuel based power generation.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal