Angola is a small country in South-West Africa. The country currently has an energy production capacity of around 5 GW. Based on past governmental promises, Angola’s capacity is expected to be  6 GWs. However, with these goals not being achieved, the country has only a 43% electrification rate.

While incredibly low, this is nothing compared to rural areas’ 10% electrification rate. This inequality is further widened due to rural areas’ lack of other options. With 54% of the nation concentrated in rural areas, these regions have nowhere else to turn. With the government planning to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies causing energy prices to rise, the government has begun to push for renewable energy in Angola.

Angola’s Renewable Energy Revolution

Angola is in an optimal geographical position for renewable energy production. Studies conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Water found that the nation has the potential to generate 16 GW in solar power, 4 GW in wind power and 18 GW in hydropower. Using this to its advantage, the government of Angola has created the Angola 2025 Plan, which aims to utilize renewable energy to boost its energy production.

In this plan, the nation’s electrification rate would jump to 60%, with 70% coming from renewable sources. Part of this increase will be due to the three massive solar projects that the Government of Angola recently approved. One of these projects will be a partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Angola, resulting in a 150 MW solar farm.

Transforming Lives and Igniting Economic Opportunities

The benefit is threefold. First, this shift to renewable energy can massively benefit the electrification rates and provide electricity to underserved areas. For example, projects like the Masdar solar plant can bring electricity to 90,000 homes.

Second, renewable energy in Angola opens up many job opportunities by utilizing new technologies and creating an entirely new industry. Additionally, this massive boost in the energy sector is more significant for foreign investors and creates even more job opportunities.

This double-win for the job market will help drastically reduce poverty levels and close the inequality gap. Because many of these solar projects have taken place in rural areas like the Masdar solar plant, it directly gives these opportunities to the concentrated areas of low-income households.

Conclusion

While renewable energy in Angola is still an emerging market, its potential to completely shift the country’s economy and bring electricity to millions of people highlights its importance. By harnessing its abundant solar, wind and hydroelectricity resources, Angola can meet its energy needs and emerge as a regional leader in clean energy innovation.

– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Flickr