Yemen inaugurates the largest strategic clean energy project with Emirati support
Great hopes are pinned on Yemen’s first solar energy project, which was inaugurated as part of the country’s efforts to rely on renewable energy sources to meet its electricity needs.
State Minister and Governor of Aden, Ahmed Lamlas, inaugurated on Monday, March 4, 2024, the solar power station provided by the United Arab Emirates to the electrical system of the Yemeni capital, making it the country’s first strategic clean energy project, according to a specialized energy platform.
The trial operation of Yemen’s first solar energy project began, producing between 20 and 30% of the total capacity of the station, which is expected to reach about 120 megawatts. The station is expected to enter full production within a maximum of 3 months.
Renewable energy in Yemen
During the inauguration of Yemen’s first solar energy project, Governor Ahmed Lamlas said that the station’s entry into service enhances the country’s electricity system and reduces the use of fuel-operated stations, praising Emirati support for the electricity sector in Aden.
State Minister expressed hope that the project will expand in the future, making Aden – the country’s temporary capital – one of the cities that rely on renewable and clean energy, according to a statement from the Yemeni Ministry of Electricity and Energy.
Ahmed Lamlas pointed out that the inauguration of Yemen’s first solar energy project would contribute to environmental conservation by reducing carbon emissions, according to statements from the specialized energy platform.
The new station is considered the first and largest strategic project for generating electricity from clean and renewable energy in Yemen, resulting from a cooperation agreement between the Yemeni Ministry of Electricity and Energy and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar”.
The agreement aims to provide “Aden” – the country’s temporary capital – with Yemen’s first solar energy project with a total capacity of 120 megawatts, in addition to establishing transmission lines and substations.
Project launch preparations
On February 21, 2024, Yemen’s first solar energy project received Emirati equipment as part of efforts to support energy transition in the country, which has been facing political crises since 2011. Aden received the equipment and power discharge components for the station.
The project, implemented by Masdar with the Yemeni Ministry of Electricity and Energy, includes the construction of electricity transmission lines, as well as substations for the transmission and distribution of electricity generated from Yemen’s first solar energy project.
This station is considered the first and largest strategic project aimed at generating electricity in Yemen through clean, emission-free renewable energy sources, serving environmental efforts at the same time, according to the specialized energy platform.
The new station, which has commenced operation, aims to reduce the cost of electricity generation during daylight hours, in addition to reducing the state’s need for fuel to generate energy in stations. It also supports the state’s environmental plans by reducing carbon emissions.
