China's prowess in solar aids Africa's green transition

Projects spread

The Garissa solar power station is not the only project of its type being built through cooperation with Chinese companies. Many similar China-Africa cooperation PV projects are located across the African continent, a region that is endowed with large solar resources.

China Electric Power Equipment and Technology recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a 10-GW solar energy project in Egypt, which aims to boost renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the country.

The completed project will be able to generate nearly 30 terawatt hours of electricity per year. The project, which is part of Egypt's Green Corridor initiative dedicated to renewable energy development, will also save $1 billion in annual costs of natural gas.

In recent years, a growing number of Chinese companies have come up with high-quality and affordable PV products in African countries, industry experts said. Investing in and constructing PV power plants in multiple African countries has also boosted local economies and provided reliable and low-cost electricity.

China-Africa cooperation in solar energy development and utilization has continuously made new progress, said Mao Xiaojing, director of the institute for West-Asian and African studies under the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.