Angola: PPA secured for 150MW solar energy project

The PPA is expected to help strengthen the power system in Angola and expand access to clean and reliable electricity

A power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed to secure long-term electricity off-take from the 150MW Quipungo Solar Photovoltaic project in southern Angola, marking a key milestone for the country’s renewable energy expansion.

The agreement was concluded with state-owned off-taker Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade (RNT-EP) and was signed on Sunday (11 January) on the sidelines of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) General Assembly during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Located in Huila Province, the Quipungo Solar PV site forms the first contracted phase of Project Royal Sable, a planned 500MW multi-site solar programme aimed at strengthening Angola’s southern power grid and supporting national sustainable development objectives.

PPA to anchor other projects

By anchoring the first commercial project under Project Royal Sable, the PPA establishes a foundation for the phased rollout of the wider portfolio across three sites, the parties involved in the agreement said.

Once fully developed, the 500MW programme is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs, supply clean electricity to around 300,000 homes and enhance generation capacity in Angola’s southern grid.

The PPA was signed by RNT-EP Executive Director for Market Operations and Regulatory Affairs Mauro Hernany Ferrerira Martins.

Senior officials including Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water João Baptista Borges, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, and IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera, were in attendance.

Angola PPA an example of a bankable project

La Camera said the Quipungo agreement demonstrated how national energy plans could be translated into bankable projects.

He noted that the solar facility would contribute to strengthening Angola’s power system and expanding access to clean and reliable electricity, while supporting investor confidence in Africa’s energy transition.

The Quipungo project is the first power PPA in Angola for Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, which is developing Project Royal Sable as part of its wider renewable energy activities in emerging markets.

Increasing energy access across Africa

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, pointed out that Africa is the world’s fastest-growing continent and that growth will depend on affordable, secure energy.

“The Quipungo PPA demonstrates how long-term partnerships and structured off-take arrangements can accelerate the deployment of utility scale renewables that support national clean energy ambitions, economic development and job creation providing reliable, affordable clean power to local communities,” said Al Ramahi.

The solar programme aligns with Angola’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, improve grid resilience and expand access to affordable electricity through large-scale renewable energy deployment.

Cover photo:  The agreement was signed on Sunday (11 January) in Abu Dhabi. Source: Masdar/X