UAE firm to build solar project in Madagascar, plans expansion

UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a Resources Investment Company, has signed two landmark agreements with the Government of Madagascar aimed at expanding renewable energy capacity and advancing the country’s clean energy transition.

Under the first agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, GSU will develop a 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant, complemented by a 25 MWh battery energy storage system, in Moramanga.

This agreement sets the foundation for a future Power Purchase Agreement with JIRAMA, Madagascar’s national utility. Once completed, the project will significantly enhance the Antananarivo Interconnected Network and decrease the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. The project implementation is scheduled to be completed within 12 months.

The second agreement outlines the intent of both parties to collaborate on developing additional projects, with a total installed capacity of up to 250 MW. As part of this accord, GSU and the Malagasy authorities have agreed to conduct a detailed feasibility study to assess the technical, environmental, and economic viability.

Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, witnessed the signing of the agreements at the Iavoloha State Palace by Olivier Jean-Baptiste, Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons of Madagascar, and Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities.

“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding access to clean, reliable energy across the Global South,” said Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of GSU. “We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Madagascar on a project that supports energy security, economic development, and climate resilience.”

These agreements underscore the shared ambition of Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates to deepen cooperation on large-scale, sustainable infrastructure projects.

Earlier a UAE delegation, headed by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the High-Level Energy Transition Dialogue, hosted by the Presidency of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA) at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

The high-level meeting came as part of global efforts to prepare for COP30, scheduled to be held in Belém, Brazil. It served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on accelerating the implementation of the outcomes of COP28 and COP29 and achieving global energy transition goals - including doubling energy efficiency and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Addressing an audience of energy ministers and senior officials, Al Olama said, “At COP28 in Dubai, the international community reached an important milestone: the UAE Consensus. This outcome marked a turning point in how the world approaches the energy transition-not merely as an environmental necessity, but as an economic, social, and development imperative.

“Building on this momentum, COP29 in Azerbaijan reaffirmed global commitments to scaling up clean energy investment and facilitating credible transition pathways. It emphasised the vital role of finance, technology transfer, and regional cooperation as core enablers. The Global Stocktake, launched at COP28, continues to serve as a critical benchmark for delivery, and the next step is to begin turning that assessment into meaningful action.”

He added, “For the UAE, the energy transition is not a distant goal-It is a national priority already in motion, driving real change on the ground. Our updated UAE Energy Strategy 2050 strikes a deliberate balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability. It establishes clear targets for clean energy deployment, deep decarbonisation across sectors, and-crucially-bold and achievable improvements in energy efficiency improvements in energy efficiency.

“We recognise that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as set out in our national pathway, cannot be achieved by renewables alone. Energy efficiency is not an add-on, or good to have, but rather a core pillar of the transition. It is the lowest-cost, highest-impact lever we have-and a key enabler for all other technologies and solutions.”

Moreover, the UAE delegation participated in the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organised by the International Energy Agency in partnership with the EU Commission.

At the conference, Al Olama continued, “In the UAE, we see energy efficiency not only as a tool for decarbonisation, but also as a powerful lever to strengthen our economy. We are supporting industries and enterprises to reduce costs, improve energy security, and enhance operational performance.

These efforts help attract investment, support high-quality job creation, and foster innovation and competitiveness across key sectors. However, challenges do remain.

WAM