Solenova has inaugurated the first phase of the 25-MW Caraculo Photovoltaic Power Plant, located in the municipality of Angola’s Bibala, Namibe province. Caraculo is the first private photovoltaic plant in Angola.
This first phase of the project includes the installation of 46,000 solar panels, an operations building, and a 60Kv substation connected to the Southern Transmission Network.
With a lifetime of about 25 years, the plant is expected to produce 25 megawatts of renewable energy to supply the southern region of the country, allowing the reduction of 18,000 cubic meters per year in household and industrial consumption of diesel, as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 50 kilotons of CO2 equivalent per year.
The initial phase of the project employed over 400 people, including inhabitants of Namibe province who will be part of the day-to-day management of the plant, thus generating local jobs and social impact.
The formal act was presided over by His Excellency Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, and witnessed by His Excellency João Baptista Borges, Minister of Energy and Water and His Excellency Archer Mangueira, Governor of the Province of Namibe, as well as shareholders representatives, local authorities, and traditional and religious leaders.
Solenova has a strong commitment to social responsibility, and as such is installing water systems in the town of Caraculo, providing access to drinking water, more and better health, promotion of agriculture and cattle breeding. In leading this venture, Solenova is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with central and local authorities to ensure that the plant brings lasting benefits to all involved.
Caraculo is operated by Solenova, a joint venture of Azule Energy and Sonangol. The construction of Phase 2 is expected to start soon.