Three solar photovoltaic (PV) plants with a combined capacity of approximately 20 MW have been inaugurated in the Union of the Comoros, supported by AED 84.4 million in financing from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The projects are aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity infrastructure, improving energy security and reducing its reliance on imported diesel.
The solar plants were financed by ADFD, implemented by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, and managed by Global South Utilities (GSU). The inauguration was led by Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, alongside senior officials from the UAE and Comoros.
The three solar PV facilities are located across the country’s main islands. The Grande Comore project has a capacity of 12.86 MW, while the Anjouan plant has a capacity of 4.05 MW and the Mohéli facility has a capacity of 3.1 MW.
The project also incorporates 16 MWh of battery energy storage systems, with an 8 MW power output across Grande Comore and Anjouan. In addition, approximately 30 kilometres of 20 kV medium-voltage overhead transmission lines have been developed to support electricity transmission and grid integration.
According to technical studies, the three plants are expected to generate approximately 33.75 GWh of clean electricity annually. The generation is estimated to meet the electricity needs of around 17,500 households and avoid approximately 20,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The project is being developed against the backdrop of significant challenges in the Comoros’ electricity sector. In 2024, imported diesel accounted for approximately 91% of the country’s energy mix, while electricity demand reached 254 GWh, compared with actual generation of only 150 GWh. The country also experienced approximately 3,000 power outages during the year.
The expected annual solar generation from the new facilities represents approximately 13.3% of total electricity demand and 22.5% of actual electricity generation recorded in 2024. The additional renewable capacity and battery storage are expected to diversify the country’s electricity supply, improve system reliability and reduce exposure to fluctuations in imported fuel costs.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said the project represents a long-term investment in the Comoros’ energy resilience and sustainable economic growth. He noted that expanded access to cleaner energy could reduce the country’s exposure to imported fuel costs while improving electricity reliability for businesses, public services and communities.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said the company had worked with its partners to deliver renewable energy to the people of the Comoros. He highlighted solar power and energy storage as important technologies for strengthening energy security and supporting the country’s long-term socioeconomic development.
Ali Abdulla Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities, said the combination of solar generation, battery storage and grid infrastructure across the three islands would help strengthen the country’s power system while improving reliability and resilience.
The inauguration underscores growing cooperation between the UAE and the Comoros in renewable energy and infrastructure development. The project is expected to support the country’s transition toward a more diversified electricity mix while contributing to greater energy security, reduced emissions and sustainable economic development.
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