Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU), a resources investment company, has inaugurated a 5 MWp grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Berbera and launched the Green Berbera Vision - a structured transition of the city’s electricity system from diesel dependence to renewable-powered generation supported by battery storage, establishing Berbera as a model renewable transition hub in the Horn of Africa.
The new solar plant, supported by 11.2 km
of 33 kV transmission lines and associated substations, forms a cornerstone of
Green Berbera.
The project directly supports
Somaliland’s National Electrification and Energy Sector Strategy, which
aims to expand reliable electricity access, reduce dependence on imported
diesel fuel, and transition toward a cleaner, more resilient and affordable
power system.
Designed to generate approximately 10,000
MWh of clean electricity annually, the Berbera solar plant can supply power
equivalent to nearly 28,000 households per year, significantly
strengthening electricity reliability for residential, commercial and
institutional consumers in the city.
By displacing diesel‑based generation, the
project is expected to avoid approximately 6,890 metric tonnes of carbon
emissions annually, delivering meaningful climate benefits while improving
energy security and reducing fuel costs.
Green Berbera: A Strategic Utility
Transformation
Ahead of the inauguration ceremony, Ali
Alshimmari, CEO and Managing Director of GSU joined BEC’s board meeting as Vice
Chairman to review the company’s renewable expansion roadmap and the next phases.
Alshimmari also announced the launch of the
Green Berbera Vision - a structured transition of Berbera’s electricity system
from diesel dependence to a renewable-powered utility supported by solar PV and
battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Green Berbera represents a structural shift
in how electricity is generated and delivered across the city, establishing
solar PV as the primary source of daytime generation, integrating battery
storage to enhance grid stability and enable energy shifting, and transitioning
diesel generation to a strategic reserve role rather than a core supply source.
Through its 45 per cent ownership stake in
BEC - the only utility serving Berbera - GSU is guiding this transition in
close coordination with local stakeholders. BEC currently operates 20.38 MW of
solar capacity alongside 2 MWh of battery storage, with renewable capacity
expected to double by 2027.
As a strategic port city, Berbera plays a
central role in Somaliland’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
Through the Green Berbera Vision, the city
is positioned to become a flagship renewable transition hub in East Africa -
linking clean energy infrastructure with long-term economic resilience.
Alshimmari said: “Green Berbera positions
the city not only as a cleaner power system, but as a more competitive regional
port economy in the Horn of Africa. Reliable, cost-stable energy is fundamental
to trade, logistics, and industrial growth. By transitioning from diesel
dependency to a solar- and battery-backed utility model, Berbera is emerging as
a practical example of how port cities in East Africa can modernise their
energy systems while strengthening economic resilience.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service
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