Angola has completed seven major solar plant network as part of its renewable energy initiative with the inauguration of Bailundo Photovoltaic Park in Huambo.
This marks the final phase of a seven-plant network designed to supply renewable electricity to around 2.4 million people.
The 370 MW solar PV project, developed by Portuguese firm MCA Group with Sun Africa, is central to Angola’s plan to expand electricity access.
It also aims to reduce diesel use and lower carbon emissions.
MCA Group says the new infrastructure will stabilise Angola’s grid, especially in blackout-prone areas like Bailundo.
Network of seven solar parks
The Bailundo facility is the largest addition to a network spanning six other provinces, including Benguela, Huambo, Bié, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, and Moxico.
The network is composed of:
- Biopio – 188 MWp
- Baía Farta – 96 MWp
- Saurimo – 26.1 MWp
- Luena – 26.9 MWp
- Lucapa – 7.2 MWp
- Cuito – 14.65 MWp
The seven parks are projected to save 1.4 million litres of diesel and cut about one million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The development also includes over 770,400 solar panels across the various plants, along with all related construction and electrical infrastructure.
The first two plants, Biopio and Baía Farta, were inaugurated in July 2022, while Saurimo followed in April 2024.
Cuito came online in August 2025, with Luena and Lucapa soon after, and Bailundo completing the network in early September.
Impact on local communities
Bailundo, which has a population of roughly 373,000, now benefits from significantly improved electricity reliability.
MCA Group noted that the project enhances local power production and distribution, democratising access and boosting grid stability.
Similarly, the Luena Solar Power Plant in Moxico province, with a capacity of 25.3 MW, can serve more than 171,000 people.
With 43,680 solar panels installed, the facility is expected to save around 19.5 million tonnes of fuel annually while reducing carbon emissions by over 68 tonnes.
The plant works with existing hydroelectric and thermal stations to provide steady power supply.
Renewable energy in Africa
Angola’s solar initiative aligns with wider trends across the continent.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that Africa added 4.2 GW of new renewable capacity in 2024, a 6.7% increase from the previous year.
This brings the continent’s total installed renewable capacity to 67 GW.
Hydropower remains dominant, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the continent’s renewable energy output, while solar and wind projects are rapidly expanding.
The completion of Angola’s seven-plant network highlights the role of public-private partnerships in advancing energy access in Africa.
It also signals the country’s commitment to renewable energy as part of its target to raise national electrification rates from 51.1% in 2023 to 60% by 2025.
