The Solenova joint venture has completed the front-end activities of the first phase of the construction of the Caraculo photovoltaic plant in Angola, which is expected to start in 2022. This was revealed at a recent meeting between Angolan President Joao Lourenco and Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi. The project is carried out by a 50-50 joint venture between the Italian oil company Eni and the national oil company Sonangol (Solenova).

The construction of the Caraculo photovoltaic power plant is located in Namibe province in southwestern Angola, which is known for drought rather than oil resources. According to Eni, the first phase of the project will be followed by the second phase, which will bring the total capacity of the solar power plant to 50MWp. The company said: "The first stage of production will generate 25MWp of fuel, which is estimated to reduce diesel consumption by 13,500 cubic meters per year, and it can reduce electricity production costs and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year."

Invest in energy that reduces pollution

Through the Caraculo photovoltaic power plant project, Eni reiterated its new strategy of investing in less polluting energy sources, mainly solar photovoltaic projects. The company hopes to carry out such projects in oil-producing countries, such as Algeria in North Africa and Ghana in West Africa.

In Angola, Eni has supported rural development in Namibe Province. This is a strategic investment that will enable the Italian company to win a new oil concession in the waters of the Namibe Basin. The construction of a solar power plant in the Nami Province will also support the Angolan government’s plan to get rid of "all oil".Editor/Huang Lijun