Aden: Yemen's renewable energy sector has reached a milestone with the expansion of the Aden Solar Power Plant and the commissioning of the Shabwah Solar Power Plant, spearheaded by UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), part of Abu Dhabi's Resources Investment, in cooperation with Yemen's Ministry of Electricity and Energy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Shabwah Solar Power Plant is now operational, supplying clean electricity to approximately 330,000 households. The Aden Solar Power Plant is set to deliver power to 687,000 households upon its anticipated completion in 2026. Together, these projects will provide clean electricity to over one million homes, marking the largest initiative in Yemen's clean power sector.
On 28 August, GSU inaugurated the Shabwah Solar Power Plant in Ataq, Shabwah Governorate, with a generation capacity of 53 megawatts and a 15 MWh battery storage system. Located next to Ataq University, the facility will produce about 118,642 MWh of clean electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 62,727 tonnes each year.
The infrastructure includes 85,644 solar panels, six transformer stations, a central monitoring and control building, and a 15-kilometer overhead transmission line connecting the plant to the national grid. This electricity will meet the needs of Ataq City and six surrounding districts, powering homes, schools, and healthcare facilities while supporting local economic growth.
Also on 28 August, GSU launched the second phase of the Aden Solar Power Plant in Bir Ahmed, adding 120 MW of capacity to its current output. Upon completion in 2026, the plant's total capacity will reach 240 MW, making it Yemen's largest solar power project. The second phase alone will generate approximately 247,000 MWh of electricity annually and cut roughly 142,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Ali Al Shimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU, emphasized the significance of delivering clean and reliable electricity to more than one million homes in Aden and Shabwah, viewing it as a crucial step towards improving lives and fostering economic and social stability. He highlighted that these projects reflect a vision of connecting communities to sustainable development opportunities and placing renewable energy at the heart of growth.
These initiatives demonstrate the UAE's commitment, alongside its partners, to empower communities through integrated clean energy solutions, expanding access to sustainable power and reducing reliance on imported fuels, thereby reinforcing Yemen's pathways to stability and development.