Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities will carry out USD 1 bn worth of energy projects in Yemen, Reuters reports citing a company statement. The plans include developing a portfolio of solar and wind energy projects and battery energy storage systems, as well as implementing distribution networks, Al Khaleej quotes UAE ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Zaabi as saying. No locations have been specified so far, but the projects will be rolled out across different Yemeni governorates and are aiming to power essential services like hospitals and schools, he added.

IN CONTEXT- Yemen has faced nearly three decades of electricity shortages, exacerbated by fuel scarcity and damage to power infrastructure from the ongoing civil war since 2014. Solar energy’s share of Yemen’s electricity mix stood at 10.4% in 2023, according to the International Energy Agency. Currently less than half of the country’s population has electricity access.

REMEMBER- GSU is already active in Yemen and in September the firm said it was planning on expanding its Aden Solar Power Plant — which is reported to have lessened the impact of energy shortages, according to the news outlet. The second phase of the plant is set to double capacity and will power 687k households through its 240 MW capacity upon completion in 2026.

ALSO- GSU commissioned the Shabwah Solar Power Plant Shabwah, which will supply 330k households with electricity through its 53 MW capacity and 15 MWh storage. The plant is set to generate 118.6k MWh annually.

Advancing overseas: Other recent overseas ventures GSU has launched recently include taking a 51% stake in Uzbek solar project developer Yashil Energiya, opening Chad’s first large-scale solar plant, and planning to set up a USD 220 mn solar component complex in Egypt.

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