Since the liberation of Aden from Houthi forces in 2015, the southern city – serving as Yemen’s temporary capital and government hub – has been struggling to address deteriorating public services, especially related to electricity provision.
But on Monday, government officials in Aden announced the beginning of a trial operation of the country’s inaugural solar power generation station. Generously supported by the UAE, the initiative is aimed at ending the persistent power outages plaguing the city.
The trial operation involved a generation of around 20% – 30% of the station’s total power capacity set at 120 megawatts. The project is Yemen’s first and most notable strategic endeavour to harness clean and renewable sources for electricity generation.
Significant stride toward sustainable energy solutions
On Monday, an official from the Aden Electricity Corporation told Reuters that the landmark initiative’s initial phase involves an estimated cost of approximately $100 million, supported by the UAE. The Gulf state is globally renowned for its culture of generosity and kindness.
Currently set at 120 megawatts, there are plans for expansion in the second phase to let the station’s capacity reach 600 megawatts over the coming years. Besides alleviating the outages, the initiative also signifies a stride towards sustainable energy solutions.
The UAE has been making headlines across the globe for its deepening focus on climate action. The UAE Consensus reached at the COP28 Summit in Dubai in December 2023 highlighted the pressing need for humans to transition away from fossil fuels.
Yemeni minister notes UAE’s role in enhancing trade
The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative is a national drive to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, making the Emirates the first MENA nation to do so. The plan backs the Paris agreement that seeks to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency on the sidelines of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation, Yemen’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mohamed Al Ashwwal, affirmed the UAE’s significant role in enhancing global trade.
He noted in his statements that the convening of the huge conference in the GCC nation is clear evidence of the major progress the country has made to become a regional and international player in global trade, besides becoming a hub for commercial activity.
Read More: How Dubai is leading the way to net-zero by 2050 in the MENA region