Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a Resources Investment company, has announced the commencement of a 12 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant integrated with a 70 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Berbera, marking the second phase of the Green Berbera Initiative.
The project builds on the successful commissioning of a 5 MWp solar power plant in February 2026 and represents a significant step in Berbera’s transition from diesel-dependent electricity generation to a renewable energy-backed power system.
Phase I of the initiative included the development of 11.2 km of 33 kV transmission infrastructure, laying the foundation for a broader energy transition strategy aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on imported diesel fuel in the strategic port city.
The newly launched Phase II project will substantially increase renewable generation capacity while introducing utility-scale battery storage to improve grid stability and ensure reliable electricity supply during peak evening demand periods and hours of reduced solar generation.
Upon completion, the project is expected to generate approximately 24,000 MWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of nearly 67,000 households each year. The facility is also projected to avoid around 16,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by displacing diesel-based power generation. Over its operational lifetime, cumulative emissions reductions are expected to exceed 330,000 metric tons of CO₂.
Combined renewable generation capacity from Phases I and II is anticipated to provide electricity equivalent to nearly 95,000 households annually, significantly expanding access to clean and reliable power across Berbera.
According to GSU, the project aligns with Berbera’s broader electrification and economic development objectives and is expected to position the city among the first in the Horn of Africa to achieve a large-scale transition away from fossil fuel-dependent electricity generation.
Ali Alshimmari, CEO and Managing Director of GSU and Vice Chairman of Berbera Electricity Company (BEC), said the project represents a long-term investment in the city’s infrastructure and economic resilience. He noted that integrating solar generation with battery storage would strengthen Berbera’s role as a strategic regional port economy while serving as a model for renewable energy-led development across the Horn of Africa.
GSU currently holds a 45% stake in Berbera Electricity Company, the sole utility provider serving the city. BEC operates a 20.38 MW power portfolio alongside 2 MWh of battery storage capacity, with renewable energy capacity expected to double by 2027 under the wider Green Berbera Vision.
A key objective of the project is to provide 100% renewable electricity to the Berbera Economic Zone (BEZ), a major trade and logistics hub in the region. The availability of reliable clean energy is expected to enhance the zone’s attractiveness to international investors, industrial operators, and businesses pursuing low-carbon operations.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project is expected to generate economic value through local employment opportunities, workforce development, skills transfer, and long-term careers in renewable energy generation, battery storage management, and grid operations.
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 has launched a 12 MWp solar PV plant coupled with a 70 MWh battery energy storage system in Berbera, advancing the Green Berbera Initiative and accelerating the city's transition toward renewable energy-powered electricity generation.){kind=link}