UAE - Mubasher: The AED 221 million Mohamed Bin Zayed Solar PV Complex, one of the largest solar PV plants in West Africa funded by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has been inaugurated in Blitta in Togo.
Selected under the ADFD-IRENA project facility, the 50-megawatt (MW) project will supply reliable and clean electricity to 158,000 homes and small businesses in Togo, according to a press release on Wednesday.
The project will help accelerate the implementation of the Togolese national clean energy strategy to raise the country's renewable energy by 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030.
The ADFD has financed Togo's first solar plant, developed by Amea Togo Solar which is a subsidiary of the UAE-based Amea Power, with $15 million (AED 55 million) in the form of a concessionary loan.
ADFD has committed $350 million (AED 1.28 billion) for concessionary loans dedicated to clean energy development projects.
The Abu Dhabi Fund and IRENA have supported the development of 32 clean energy projects in 26 countries to produce a capacity of 245 megawatts.
The Director-General of ADFD, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, said: "This new solar plant will greatly advance the Togolese commitment to combat climate change through a shift to clean energy while creating new jobs, supporting the local business community, and expanding community access to social services."
Meanwhile, the Minister Delegate to the President of the Togolese Republic, in charge of Energy and Mines, Mila Aziablé, commented: "This is a very significant moment our country. It marks a positive step on our journey towards building an energy system that is inclusive and clean, and that creates jobs and improves access to energy."
