This "environmentally friendly" photovoltaic plant will be located in an uninhabited desert area and will contribute to the reduction of diesel consumption for the production of electricity and will support the energy transition and diversification of the energy matrix in Angola, particularly in the southern region, he said, in a statement, Solenova, a company owned by Eni and Sonangol.
"The Caraculo project comprises the phased installation of a 50 MW photovoltaic plant, with the first phase being 25 MW. The construction activities will be in charge of Saipem, and the electrical energy will be dispatched to the southern transmission network", can be read.
In terms of specific environmental benefits, the photovoltaic plant in Caraculo will be able to reduce 50 KtCO2eq/year of greenhouse gas emissions, added Solenova.
"The project is part of the objectives of "Angola Energia 2025", the Angolan government's long-term plan for the energy sector, whose main objective is to provide the population with access to basic energy services. "Action Plan for the Energy and Water Sector 2018 - 2022" of the Government of Angola, which establishes, in the medium term, a target of an additional 500 MW of renewable energy (Solar, Wind, Biomass and Mini-Hydro) by 2022, with a specific focus on utility-scale solar projects", he said.
On a global scale, the project complies with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7: access to clean and affordable energy, he added.
The ceremony for the laying of the first stone, which marks the start of construction of the photovoltaic plant, was attended by the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo and the governor of Namibe province, Archer Mangueira, among others, said the Solnova in the press release.
