Luanda - Angola on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of strategic infrastructure to strengthen the country's electricity transmission and integration into the regional market, which will involve an investment of 1.3 billion at no cost to the Angolan state.
The agreement, signed by the CEO of the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT) and the CEO of Somagec Energy, Rui Gourgel and Roger Sahyoun, will allow the construction of high-voltage transmission lines and state-of-the-art substations.
The infrastructure is aimed at efficiently transporting energy to the Southern African Energy Group (SAPP) and to new consumption areas in the east and north of Angola, mainly Cabinda.
João Baptista Borges, Minister of Energy and Water, said that the sector's strategy to reach these regions is based on the participation of the private sector and that it is intended that the interconnection projects be led by the private sector, through companies that want to invest in the construction of transmission systems, through a concession agreement.
According to the minister, the Angolan market is integrated and offers "good opportunities" for those who have the capacity to export energy to Congo, Zambia and Namibia, where there is a great demand for energy.
The Minister reiterated the ability to guarantee cheap and green energy, as Angola currently has a significant surplus in terms of installed capacity, after recalling that Cabinda can also benefit greatly from the extension of the electrical system to the Congo region, as alternatives can be created to supply this province.
"We will continue to dedicate and focus our efforts on the electrification of regions that still lack electricity, so that by 2027, 50% of the Angolan population will have access to electricity," said the Minister.
The protocol signed between the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT E.P.) and Somagec Energy will be implemented under a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) model, ensuring that the infrastructures will be transferred to RNT at the end of the concession period.
The signing reaffirms the commitment of RNT and Somagec Energy to strengthen the energy sector as a driver of socio-economic development, promoting greater stability, efficiency and regional cooperation in energy supply.
Founded in 1965, the Somagec Group has established itself as one of the largest global infrastructure companies with operations throughout Africa and South America. The company specializes in the design, construction and operation of large-scale projects.
The National Electricity Transmission Network of Angola is the public entity responsible for the management, operation and development of the national electricity transmission network, ensuring the stability and sustainable growth of the country's energy sector. HM/QCB/DAN/AMP
