The replacement of diesel-fired thermal power plants with photovoltaic units in several provinces across the country represents an estimated annual savings of 200 billion kwanzas for the state treasury and a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 500 million liters.
The information was released on Monday by José Salles, Project Director at the Angolan Public Electricity Production Company (PRODEL), as cited by the Angolan Government Portal.
The Biópio and Baía Farta solar farms, inaugurated in July 2022, contribute the most to this figure, with annual savings of 215 million liters each, followed by the Luena plant with 19.5 million, Saurimo with 19 million, Luau with 17.9 million, Cazombo with 9.7 million, and Lucapa with nearly five million liters per year.
On the sidelines of the inauguration of the Luau Photovoltaic Park, José Salles noted that the program’s objective is to phase out thermal power plants once the solar units become operational, as these eliminate fuel procurement costs, reduce operational complexity, and eliminate the pollutant emissions associated with burning diesel.
The official also noted that each project includes, in addition to the power plant, the extension of the distribution network to local communities, which significantly increases the number of households with electricity in each area, providing direct benefits to families in terms of food preservation, children’s nighttime study, and the operation of public and economic institutions.
The national program coordinated by PRODEL also calls for the construction of solar power plants in 60 locations spread across six provinces—specifically Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Moxico, Malanje, and Bié—with 250 megawatts of photovoltaic panels and a 590-megawatt-hour battery bank to ensure nighttime power supply.
Source: Jornal de Angola
