Djibouti has launched the Grand Bara Solar Project, a 25 MW solar plant aimed at advancing the country’s renewable energy goals. The project, developed by AMEA Power, supports Djibouti’s vision of becoming the first African country powered entirely by green energy. This initiative aligns with a growing global trend towards localized renewable energy production, as highlighted by recent developments like a 2.9 MW community solar project in Gainesville, New York, utilizing American-made solar panels. This shift towards domestic manufacturing is partly driven by ongoing international tariff disputes, such as those impacting solar imports from Laos, as reported by PV KnowHow.
Djibouti Solar Project: A Large-Scale Solar Plant
The Grand Bara Solar Project, featured in PV KnowHow, is the first large-scale solar plant in Djibouti. It was launched by AMEA Power, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Djibouti government. This 25 MW solar project is a significant step toward Djibouti’s goal of becoming Africa’s first country to rely completely on green energy. More details on the project can be found in this PV KnowHow article.
The project is part of Djibouti’s broader plan to increase its renewable energy capacity. Currently, the country has an installed solar capacity of 57 MW. AMEA Power’s Grand Bara Solar Project will add 25 MW to this capacity. The plant is expected to generate 55 GWh of clean energy each year, reducing Djibouti’s carbon emissions by about 40,000 tons annually. For further insights into Djibouti’s solar landscape, refer to the Djibouti Solar Panel Manufacturing Report on PV KnowHow.
Key Figures Supporting the Djibouti Solar Project
The launch event was attended by several key figures, including President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and AMEA Power Chairman Hussain Jasim Al Nowais. The presence of these leaders highlights the strong support for renewable energy in Djibouti.
The project is backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement between AMEA Power and the state-owned utility company, Electricité de Djibouti. This agreement ensures that the clean energy generated by the solar plant will be used to power homes and businesses across the country.
Djibouti’s Renewable Energy Vision and the Solar Project
Djibouti aims to become a leader in renewable energy in Africa. The country’s energy strategy focuses on building a sustainable and resilient energy sector. The Grand Bara Solar Project is a crucial component of this strategy, supporting Djibouti’s energy goals and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. This commitment to renewable energy is noteworthy, especially considering the recent setbacks in U.S. federal solar programs, as reported by PV KnowHow.
President Guelleh emphasized the importance of renewable energy for Djibouti’s future at the launch event, stating, “We have a vision for a sustainable and resilient energy sector, and renewable energy is at the heart of that vision.”
AMEA Power’s Commitment to Africa and the Djibouti Solar Project
AMEA Power is committed to expanding renewable energy across Africa. The company has a strong presence on the continent, with over 1.6 GW of renewable energy projects in development or operation across more than 25 countries, including North, West, East, and Southern Africa.
The Grand Bara Solar Project is just one example of AMEA Power’s work in the region. Other projects include a 120 MW solar plant in Tunisia, a 100 MW solar plant in Egypt, and a 50 MW solar plant in Togo.
The Grand Bara Solar Project represents a major milestone for Djibouti and AMEA Power, marking a new era of renewable energy in the country. The project will provide clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses, reduce carbon emissions, and solidify Djibouti’s position as a leader in renewable energy in Africa.
