January 21, 2025

JA Solar to supply 1.25GW of panels to Egyptian project

January 24, 2025

The China-based solar manufacturer has inked a major deal to supply 1.25GW of solar modules for the Abydos Phase II project in Egypt. This agreement was announced at the World Future Energy Summit 2025, in Abu Dhabi. The project will be developed by AMEA Power and constructed by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC).

  • The first phase of the project involved the construction of a 500 MW facility at an estimated cost of $440 million. This phase was completed in October 2024 and now supplies electricity to over 256,000 homes.

  • The second phase of the project will not only involve the installation of solar modules but will also incorporate a 600 MWh battery storage system–the continent's largest energy storage system. It is expected to generate approximately 3,000 GWh annually, supplying electricity to more than 500,000 households and offsetting over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

  • Our take: Building large solar farms alone is not enough. Energy storage systems are crucial for smoothing out the fluctuations…Read more (2 min)

In 2024, South Africa installed approximately 1.1 GW of new solar capacity. While this is less than the 2.6 GW installed in 2023, it's still the highest amount of solar added by any African country last year. This is according to the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), which tracks solar energy developments in the country.

  • A total of 2,738 MW across 384 projects, of all capacity sizes, were registered with the national energy regulator in 2023. This was followed by 2,880 MW across 454 projects in 2024. These projects are at various stages of development, including operation, construction, and financial close, with many scheduled to become operational in the next two years.

  • The private sector has been leading the development of South Africa’s utility-scale pipeline since the beginning of 2023 when South Africa faced severe load-shedding challenges.

  • Our take: New policy allows investors to participate in multiple points along the electricity supply chain… Read more (2 min)

Africa's largest hydropower project is nearing completion, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy. Construction has reached 97.6%, and the government is now seeking more funds from financial institutions and the public to ensure its completion. The project has been primarily funded by Ethiopian taxes.

  • The dam, commonly known as the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), has a production capacity of 5 GW, revised from an initial 6 GW, and is located in the northwestern Benishangul-Gumuz region on the Blue Nile River.

  • On February 20, 2022, the dam generated electricity for the inaugural time, supplying 375 MW to the grid. A second turbine also rated at 375 MW, was commissioned in August 2022. The third and fourth turbines, each with a capacity of 400 MW, were commissioned in August 2024.

  • Our take: Hydropower use will continue to grow to support the increasing integration of solar and wind power in the future… Read more (2 min)

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A panel of speakers at the energy forum in Abu Dhabi

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Events

🗓️  Green Hydrogen Summit kicks off at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (Jan 16)

🗓️ India to host Renewable Energy Expo 2025 (Feb 13 -15)

🗓️ South Africa to host the Africa Energy Indaba (Mar 4 - 6)

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Jobs

💼 Equator Energy seeks a data Mining Sales Associate (Kenya)

💼 Juwi  seeks a Contract Manager (South Africa)

💼 Hatch seeks an Advisory Consultant (South Africa)

💼 Schneider Electric seeks a Services Tender Manager (MA-CAS-Le Siege)

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Various 

💚Henkel unveils 100% sustainable Alrode plant with solar farm installation

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Seen on LinkedIn 

Robert Munene, Founder of Cytek Solar Ltd, says, “Innovative models like Solar-as-a-Service are changing the game, making clean energy accessible to everyone.”

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