UAE-Backed Solar Projects Boost Comoros' Energy Capacity by 20MW
The UAE has funded and implemented three new solar power plants in Comoros, adding 20MW to the country's electricity network and significantly reducing its reliance on diesel-fired generation.
The Union of the Comoros has inaugurated three new solar power plants, significantly expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and decreasing its dependence on imported diesel. These projects, backed by the UAE, collectively add 20 megawatts (MW) to the Comorian electricity grid.
Financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) with approximately $23 million, and implemented by Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), the facilities were inaugurated by Comorian President Azali Assoumani. Global South Utilities (GSU) will manage their operation.
Project Details and Impact
The initiative includes three solar photovoltaic plants located on different islands:
- 12.86MW on Grande Comore
- 4.05MW on Anjouan
- 3.1MW on Mohéli
Beyond solar generation, the project incorporates battery energy storage systems totaling 16 MWh capacity and an 8MW power output across Grande Comore and Anjouan. Also, around 30 kilometers of 20-kilovolt medium-voltage overhead transmission lines have been installed to integrate the new capacity.
These facilities are projected to generate approximately 33.75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually, capable of powering around 17,500 households. This clean energy is expected to prevent approximately 20,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Addressing Energy Challenges
The new infrastructure directly addresses Comoros' chronic electricity supply issues. In 2024, imported diesel constituted 91% of the nation's energy mix, and electricity demand significantly outstripped actual generation (254 GWh demanded versus 150 GWh generated), leading to approximately 3,000 power outages during the year. The new solar plants are anticipated to meet 13.3% of total demand and 22.5% of actual generation, diversifying the energy mix, reducing fuel import costs, and enhancing grid reliability. This project underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering development and energy resilience in partner nations.
Questions, answered
- What is the total new clean energy capacity added in Comoros?
- The UAE-backed project has added a total of **20 megawatts (MW)** of solar power capacity to Comoros' electricity network.
- Which UAE entities are involved in funding and implementing the project?
- The project received approximately **$23 million** in financing from the **Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)** and was implemented by the **Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)**.
- What is the expected annual clean electricity generation from these plants?
- The new facilities are estimated to generate approximately **33.75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually**, enough to power around 17,500 households.
- How much carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be avoided annually?
- The project is expected to avoid approximately **20,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions** each year, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- What additional infrastructure is included in the project?
- Beyond the solar plants, the project includes battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of **16 MWh and an 8MW power output**, along with **30 kilometers of 20-kilovolt medium-voltage transmission lines**.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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