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TotalEnergies, Sonangol and Maurel & Prom launch 35 MWp solar plant in Angola

The Quilemba Solar joint venture is building a photovoltaic power plant near Lubango, marking a milestone for private initiative in Angola's electricity sector.

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The company Quilemba Solar Lda, jointly owned by TotalEnergies (51%), Sonangol (30%) and Maurel & Prom (19%), has started construction of a 35 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant in the Huíla province of southern Angola. The project includes a possible extension to 80 MWp, which would make it the largest private photovoltaic facility in the country. Commercial commissioning is expected in the first half of 2026.

A mix dominated by hydropower but limited solar access

Despite a strong reliance on hydropower, which accounts for approximately 70% of the national electricity mix, only half of Angola’s population has access to electricity, according to data reported by Agence Ecofin on May 27. Solar energy remains marginal in this context, despite high solar irradiation potential across the country.

Located near Lubango, the Quilemba solar plant is expected to supply electricity to around 40,000 households. This private-sector initiative is part of a broader movement to open Angola’s energy sector to international capital and diversify its technological base.

International financing supports national strategy

Quilemba Solar’s commitment comes amid growing international support. In June 2023, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (US EXIMBANK) approved a loan exceeding $900mn for Angola’s Ministry of Energy to fund the construction of two solar plants with a combined capacity of over 500 MW. These projects add to the government’s efforts to expand energy supply while integrating private investors into its development plans.

Maurel & Prom’s Chief Executive Officer Olivier de Langavant stated, “For Maurel & Prom’s first industrial solar project, we chose Angola — a strong signal of our long-term commitment to supporting the Angolan state as a trusted partner,” according to Agence Ecofin.

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