Luanda, September 28 (Pressa Latina) Angola today maintains its goal of achieving 72 percent of the country’s energy production from renewable sources by 2025, reiterated the Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges.
The purpose is part of the diversification of the energy matrix and is already progressing with the commissioning of the first two 285 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic systems in Benguela province and the construction of additional enclaves and projects.
This was confirmed by the head of department the day before during this ministry’s Advisory Council, when he reiterated the commitment made by President João Lourenço at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Glasgow in 2021.
Baptista Borges pointed out that his organization is currently working on the expansion of the national electricity grid in the south and east of the country, integrating the territories of Huíla, Namibe, Cuando Cubango, Cunene, Moxico, as well as Lundas Norte and Sur, connecting to it 17 of the 18 provinces .
This is an essential step in improving access to electricity for millions of Angolans and businesses, towards the goal of providing 50 percent of the population with access to electricity, compared to the current 43 percent.
The challenge is great as this would mean an average of 250,000 domestic connections per year.
The strategy calls for expanding or expanding networks in places with the highest population densities and in areas where there has never been electricity or where there are restrictions, and in many cases using solar systems with batteries.
Experts estimate Angola will need around $23 billion to reach its goal of sourcing 72 percent of its energy from renewable sources, which requires strong capital flows.
The country is currently working on five projects of different levels of implementation that will provide the country with 369 MW of solar energy.
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