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renewable energy | i8
Renewable energy in Angola
Renewable energy in Angola is solid and on the rise at the major on-grid hydro level, and developing at the off-grid photovoltaic, wind energy and biomass levels.
By Hader Hout, Dar Al-Handasah Out of the total electric energy generated by Angola, more than 70% comes from major hydropower sources, which are inherently self-replenishing and environmentally clean. The rest comes from conventional combustible-dependent and environmentally more hazardous plants. This ratio is superior to that of the rest of Africa or even the world, whose renewable energy (RE) to total energy mix ratio is 17% and 22%, respectively. By 2017, when various other hydropower plants come on line, the total Angolan output is expected to increase to more than fivefold, with a further increased ratio of RE to total energy mix to over 82%. Yet this positive indicator is not keeping the Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA) from further promoting its RE sector, mainly for the following reasons:
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MINEA is now active in introducing major administrative and restructuring reforms within the electric sector, including its division into three independent entities for generation, transmission and distribution. Among its various activities, this reform program includes attracting foreign investors, particularly in the generation sector. Consequently, carrying out all necessary studies related to the feasibility of RE plants is very timely now, noting the imminent emergence of funds and interested stakeholders.
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As considerable as it may sound, the on-grid hydro potential is not exploited to the utmost, as it accounts for only 6.35% of the maximum hydro potential. The potential for other smaller scale RE sources including solar photovoltaic power, solar concentrated power, wind power, and biomass sources remains at the studies level and is not translated into actual projects yet -although a 100-MW wind farm is imminent in Tômbwa, Namibe. These sources are very suitable for powering or supplementing the power for remote off-grid areas, where the public transmission grids will not become available in the short or even medium term.
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The most recent manifestation of Angola’s commitment to RE was the Expo ASEA 2014 conference held in Luanda in September. The conference was the first African fair on electricity co-hosted by the National Electricity Company (ENE) and the Luanda Power Supply Firm (EDEL). Dar Angola joined dozens of international power companies, consultants, manufacturers, and contractors, all committed to bringing their best knowledge and expertise to this challenging and dynamic sector. Dar presented all of its main RE projects and communicated its skills to MINEA and the other attendants, including its expertise in solar thermal systems intended for space heating applications. Dar hopes this event will be the cornerstone for a long-lasting relationship with MINEA in this sustantial sector.
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