The Solar Energy Production Plant is poised to bring positive change to more than 51,023 residents of the Bailundo municipality in Huambo province. As part of the Minister of Energy and Water’s tour to the southern regions of the country, a detailed itinerary is scheduled for today, December 12, encompassing the municipalities of Bailundo, Ecunha, and Huambo.
On Tuesday, December 12, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant in Bailundo occurred. This initiative, with a production capacity of 7,992 MWdc, is a vital element of the Angola 2025 Plan, formulated by the Angolan government to bolster electrification rates through sustainable energy sources. The objective is to facilitate the transition of local households and businesses from irregular electricity derived from fossil fuels to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy sources.
The event was overseen by H.E. João Baptista Borges, Minister of Energy and Water, alongside Provincial Governor Notti Nolika, His Majesty the King of Bailundo, Chiongolola Chongonga, and senior officials from MINEA, the Energy Sector, DNEER, PRODEL, ENDE, and Local Government. The signing of the Consignment Note was executed by representatives from PRODEL and MCA on behalf of the Angolan Government, with Pedro Eduardo Afonso, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PRODEL, guiding the proceedings.
During the ceremony, the minister emphasized President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s commitment to providing cleaner and more accessible energy to more Angolan families. The aim is to achieve approximately 70% renewable energy in the National Energy Matrix by 2027, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Angolans who are not yet connected to the national public grid.
The project, with a budget of EUR 20,271,445.00, is projected for completion by 2023, three years from the signing date. It entails the installation of 15,600 panels, which is expected to create around 50 direct job opportunities and save an estimated EUR 6,117,409.32.
Following the ceremony, the minister and his delegation conducted a site assessment visit to the project before proceeding to the municipality of Ecunha to oversee the progress of electrification works.