Aden – local authorities in Shabwa Governorate have officially inaugurated the Shabwa Strategic Solar Energy Project, a UAE-funded initiative designed to address Yemen’s chronic electricity shortages and accelerate its transition to clean energy.

The newly launched solar power station, developed with support from the UAE-based renewable energy firm Masdar, boasts a production capacity of 20 megawatts and is expected to supply electricity to over 50,000 homes across southern Yemen. The project also includes advanced storage systems, a conversion station, and high-tension transmission lines spanning nearly 19 kilometers.

During the inauguration ceremony, Shabwa officials praised the UAE’s continued support for Yemen’s infrastructure and humanitarian needs. Salem Al-Nasi, Undersecretary of Shabwa Governorate, described the project as “a model of strategic cooperation and a vital contribution to alleviating the suffering of citizens while promoting long-term energy resilience”.

The solar station marks the third major renewable energy project funded by the UAE in Yemen, following similar installations in Aden and Lahij. It is part of a broader Emirati strategy to help stabilize essential services in conflict-affected regions and reduce reliance on costly and polluting diesel generators.

As Yemen continues to grapple with power outages and infrastructure challenges, the Shabwa Solar Power Station stands as a beacon of innovation and international solidarity.