Masdar Signs 150MW Quipungo Solar PPA In Angola To Strengthen The Southern Power Grid

Masdar has signed its first Power Purchase Agreement in Angola, confirming plans to develop the 150‑megawatt Quipungo Solar Photovoltaic project. The agreement secures long-term power offtake for the plant in Huila Province. It also anchors a wider 500MW programme known as Project Royal Sable. The project supports Angola’s plan to expand clean electricity in the south of the country.

The Power Purchase Agreement is between Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade. Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade is Angola’s state-owned transmission and offtake company. Abdulaziz Alobadli signed for Masdar as Chief Operating Officer. Mauro Hernany Ferrerira Martins signed for Rede Nacional de Transporte de Electricidade as Executive Director for Market Operations and Regulatory Affairs.

The Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy deal is the first contracted site under Project Royal Sable. Project Royal Sable is a planned 500MW renewable energy programme across three locations. The 150MW Quipungo site is in southern Angola’s Huila Province. Once the full 500MW portfolio is delivered, it is expected to support more than 2,000 jobs and supply clean power to around 300,000 homes.

The Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy agreement was signed during the IRENA General Assembly at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Witnesses included Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and João Baptista Borges, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water. Also present were Júlio Belarmino Gomes Maiato, Ambassador of Angola to the UAE, Francesco La Camera, and Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi.

Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy and global energy transition

Francesco La Camera said, "The Quipungo PPA, signed at the 16th IRENA Assembly, is a testimony of the work and commitment that the UAE and Masdar, supported through IRENA's Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, are doing to turn national energy plans into concrete projects. The Quipungo Solar PV project will contribute to strengthening Angola’s power system and expanding access to clean, reliable electricity, improving thousands of lives and inspiring greater investor confidence in Africa’s energy transition."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi added context on Masdar’s approach to the Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy initiative in Africa. Al Ramahi stated, "Africa is the world's fastest-growing continent and that growth will depend on affordable, secure energy. As a pioneer of renewables in Africa, Masdar is committed to developing clean energy across the region. Signing our first Power Purchase Agreement in Angola represents an important milestone on this journey. The Quipungo PPA demonstrates how long-term partnerships and structured offtake 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."

Masdar links the Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy plan to its wider African portfolio. Through joint venture Infinity Power, Masdar is the largest operator of renewable capacity on the continent. Infinity Power operates 1.3GW of solar and onshore wind projects in South Africa, Egypt, and Senegal. The joint venture also holds a 13.8GW development pipeline, including battery storage and green hydrogen schemes at different stages.

The Quipungo Solar PV project renewable energy agreement is described by Masdar as a commercial anchor for more utility-scale schemes in emerging markets. The project is aligned with Angola’s energy strategy and with Masdar’s goal to reach 100GW of installed capacity by 2030. It is also expected to strengthen Angola’s southern grid while improving access to reliable, affordable clean electricity.

With inputs from WAM