$20 Million Solar Energy Agreement: Transforming Eritrea’s Future

Expanding Access Through a Solar Energy Agreement

The Eritrean Ministry of Energy and Mines and Solarcentury, a subsidiary of BB Energy, have signed a $20 million agreement to enhance solar energy infrastructure in Eritrea’s Western region. The project will bolster the nation’s renewable energy capacity, aligning with its ambitious goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.

According to Africa Press, the agreement was signed in Asmara by Eritrean Minister of Energy and Mines, Debretsion Gebremichael, and Solarcentury CEO, Dr. Frans van den Bosch. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations, alongside representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other development partners.

Project to Provide Electricity to Over 300,000 People

Scheduled for completion within two years, the project involves constructing two solar power plants, each with a 10-megawatt (MW) capacity. These plants will connect to the national grid and provide electricity to more than 300,000 residents in the towns of Barentu, Tesseney, and Agordat.

With these solar plants, Eritrea will significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, which currently generate over 90% of the nation’s electricity. The initiative is a key component of the Eritrean government’s National Electrification Program (NEP), which aims to increase renewable energy’s share to 50% by 2030.

Minister Debretsion Gebremichael emphasized the project’s importance for Eritrea’s energy security and economic growth. “This project is a major milestone in our efforts to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030,” he said. “It will not only provide clean and reliable energy to our people but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the Western region.”

Solarcentury’s Commitment to Eritrea’s Energy Goals

Solarcentury CEO Dr. Frans van den Bosch reiterated his company’s commitment to supporting Eritrea’s renewable energy goals. “We are delighted to partner with the Eritrean government on this project, which will have a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. “Solar energy is a key enabler of sustainable development, and we are committed to helping Eritrea achieve its renewable energy targets.”

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is co-financing the project as part of its Desert to Power initiative, which aims to develop 10,000 MW of solar power across 11 Sahel region countries by 2025. The AfDB’s involvement speaks to the critical role of renewable energy in addressing energy access and climate change challenges throughout Africa.

A Renewable Future for Eritrea

Eritrea’s commitment to renewable energy is also reflected in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which targets a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from business-as-usual levels. Expanding solar infrastructure is central to Eritrea’s strategy for achieving this goal.

The solar project in Eritrea’s Western region is poised to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands by providing clean, reliable energy. This will enhance access to essential services like healthcare and education, spur economic growth, and contribute to the nation’s long-term development goals.

The collaboration between Eritrea, Solarcentury, and the African Development Bank underscores the country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. As Eritrea expands its solar infrastructure, it moves closer to its goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.