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Africa Solar PV News Snippets

Anu Bhambhani

Russia's NovaWind to build 200 MW in Mali; Egypt allocating land for 27 GW renewable energy; AfDB loans $240 million to Mauritius for economic competitiveness. 

200 MW AC solar in Mali: NovaWind, a Russian renewable energy company, has started construction of a 200 MW solar power plant in Mali's Koulikoro region. The ground breaking ceremony of the Sanankoroba located solar project was attended by Mali's President Assimi Goita recently.   

Egypt's renewable energy progress: Egypt is allocating about 6 million sq. mtr. of land for wind and solar energy projects to 7 international companies and consortiums. Referring to a report in the local news portal Asharq Business, local media outlets say this land is expected to host about 27 GW renewable energy capacity representing close to $40 billion investment over 10 years. These will be built in New Valley Governorate and West Nile that offer good solar and wind energy resources.  

$240 million for Mauritius: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of $240 million to Mauritius to implement phase II of the Economic Competitiveness and Resilience Support Program. Phase I of the program was implemented in 2023. Phase II will help it improve its resilience, improve economic diversification and competitiveness. Phase II will also support rooftop solar installations using 1.5 kWh solar kits for households with modest incomes. It expects rooftop solar panels to help bring down the monthly electricity bills for the beneficiaries by 75 kWh for 20 years. According to the AfDB, this will promote the share of renewable energies in the energy mix and lower GHG emissions. At the same time, the program is designed to help reduce poverty among these customers.