AMEA Power develops large scale solar plant in Togo

AMEA Power, a company based in the UAE, has successfully completed its first operational solar plant in Africa, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed PV plant in Togo. The plant is expected to provide power to over 150 thousand households, offsetting 1.1 million tons of CO2. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, highlighted the company's decision to invest in Togo and its plans for future projects across Africa. Al Nowais commended Togo's leadership for creating a conducive environment for renewable energy investments, citing clear legislative frameworks, tax incentives, and import duty incentives as key factors that attracted AMEA Power to the country. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and manpower shortages, the company managed to complete the 50-megawatt solar plant in a record time of 18 months. Al Nowais emphasized AMEA Power's focus on Africa, with ongoing projects in 15 countries across the continent totaling 2000 megawatts of committed power purchase agreements. He underscored the pressing need for power in Africa, where 32 out of 54 countries face an energy deficit. Al Nowais advocated for policy changes to support investments in the renewable energy sector, highlighting the importance of leveraging public-private partnerships and attracting financing from development financial institutions. He praised initiatives by the United Arab Emirates, such as the Abu Dhabi Fund's support for renewable energy projects in Africa, including AMEA Power's endeavor in Togo. Al Nowais urged African countries to expedite decision-making processes to keep pace with global energy transition trends, stressing the importance of driving results efficiently to remain competitive in the evolving energy landscape.