The UAE-based company, Global South Utilities, has significantly bolstered Yemen’s electricity sector by launching the Shabwah Solar Power Plant and expanding the Aden Solar Power Plant, in collaboration with Yemen’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy.
GSU, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Resources Investment, reports that the Shabwah Solar Power Plant is now fully operational, providing clean energy to approximately 330,000 households. Meanwhile, the Aden Solar Power Plant is set to supply electricity to 687,000 households once its expansion is completed in 2026.
Collectively, these projects will offer clean power to over one million homes, marking the largest initiative in Yemen’s clean energy sector.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
On August 28, GSU inaugurated the Shabwah Solar Power Plant in Ataq, Shabwah Governorate, which features a 53-megawatt generation capacity and a 15 MWh battery storage system.
Situated near Ataq University, the facility will generate approximately 118,642 MWh of clean electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by around 62,727 tonnes each year—comparable to the emissions from thousands of vehicles.
The infrastructure includes 85,644 solar panels, six transformer stations, a central monitoring and control building, and a 15-kilometer overhead transmission line linking the plant to the national grid via 51 towers.
The plant’s electricity will fully meet the energy needs of Ataq City and six nearby districts—Al-Saeed, Al-Musayni’ah, Jardan, Nisab, Markhah, and Habban—powering homes, schools, and healthcare facilities while boosting local economic growth.
Also on August 28, 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.
This second phase alone will produce about 247,000 MWh of electricity annually and cut roughly 142,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. Combined with the first phase, total annual emission reductions will amount to approximately 285,000 tonnes—equivalent to removing more than 85,000 cars from the road. The expansion includes the installation of over 194,000 solar panels, enhancing energy security and air quality.
Ali Al Shimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU, stated to WAM: “Providing clean and reliable electricity to over one million homes in Aden and Shabwah is not just an engineering feat, but a crucial step towards improving quality of life and bolstering economic and social stability. These projects embody our vision of connecting communities to sustainable development opportunities and placing renewable energy at the core of growth.”
He emphasized that investing in renewable energy is vital for enhancing quality of life, reducing dependence on fuel imports, and improving climate change resilience.
