UAE-Backed Solar Projects Deliver Clean Electricity to Over One Million Homes in Aden and Shabwah
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Yemen’s renewable energy sector has marked a historic milestone with the expansion of the Aden Solar Power Plant and the inauguration of the Shabwah Solar Power Plant, spearheaded by UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Resources Investment, in partnership with Yemen’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy.
According to GSU, the Shabwah Solar Power Plant has officially commenced operations, providing clean electricity to approximately 330,000 households. Meanwhile, the Aden Solar Power Plant, currently undergoing its second phase of expansion, is set to supply power to 687,000 households upon completion in 2026. Collectively, the two projects will deliver renewable energy to more than one million homes, making this the largest initiative of its kind in Yemen’s clean energy sector.
On 28 August, GSU inaugurated the Shabwah Solar Power Plant in Ataq, Shabwah Governorate. The facility, with a generation capacity of 53 megawatts and a 15 MWh battery storage system, is located adjacent to Ataq University. It is expected to produce around 118,642 MWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting nearly 62,727 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year — equivalent to removing tens of thousands of vehicles from the roads.
The infrastructure includes 85,644 solar panels, six transformer stations, a central monitoring and control building, and a 15-kilometre transmission line with 51 towers connecting the plant to the national grid. Electricity generated will fully meet the needs of Ataq City and six surrounding districts, including Al-Saeed, Al-Musayni’ah, Jardan, Nisab, Markhah, and Habban, providing power for homes, schools, and healthcare facilities while spurring local economic development.
On the same day, GSU also launched the second phase of the Aden Solar Power Plant in Bir Ahmed, which adds 120 MW of capacity to the current output. Once completed in 2026, the facility will reach a total capacity of 240 MW, making it the largest solar power project in Yemen. The second phase alone will generate around 247,000 MWh annually, reducing approximately 142,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Together with Phase One, annual emission reductions will total about 285,000 tonnes — equivalent to removing more than 85,000 cars from circulation.
Ali Al Shimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU, emphasized the broader impact of the projects, telling Emirates News Agency (WAM): “Delivering clean and reliable electricity to more than one million homes in Aden and Shabwah is not just an engineering achievement, but a vital step towards improving people’s lives and strengthening economic and social stability. These projects reflect our vision of connecting communities to sustainable development opportunities and placing renewable energy at the heart of growth.”
He further highlighted that investment in renewable energy is crucial for improving quality of life, reducing dependence on fuel imports, and strengthening resilience against climate change.
These landmark projects reinforce the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen’s stability and sustainable development through clean energy partnerships, expanding access to reliable power while reducing reliance on imported fuels.
