Abu Dhabi-based Global South Utilities (GSU) has officially inaugurated the Noor Chad 50 MW Solar PV Plant in N’Djamena — a landmark project that marks the first large-scale solar installation in Chad’s history. Once operational, the facility will deliver clean electricity to approximately 274,000 homes, representing a major leap forward in the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.
The inauguration ceremony drew several high-level dignitaries, including Mahamat Ahmad Alhabo, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic of Chad, along with multiple cabinet ministers, GSU CEO and Managing Director Ali Alshimmari, and UAE Ambassador to Chad Rashid Al Shamsi. Their attendance underscored the project’s significance as a model for cross-border collaboration in Africa’s clean energy transition.
Equipped with a 5 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), the Noor Chad Solar PV Plant is designed to significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on imported diesel while ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply. Over its operational lifetime, the facility is projected to offset more than 1.36 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, reinforcing Chad’s contribution to global decarbonization efforts.
“This is the first project we have delivered from signature to commissioning in Africa,” said Ali Alshimmari, GSU’s CEO and Managing Director. “It proves how quickly these markets can move when there is determination and effective partnerships. At its heart, this project is about people—enabling families, communities, and nations to thrive with the stability that clean power brings.”
Constructed in record time, the project involved over 350,000 safe work-hours, the installation of more than 81,000 solar panels, and 158 inverters. GSU emphasized that the Noor Chad plant represents a benchmark for future renewable projects across Africa and forms part of its growing clean energy portfolio throughout the continent.
The Noor Chad Solar PV Plant not only symbolizes Chad’s entry into large-scale solar generation but also reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development in the Global South—driving forward the shared goal of a more resilient, low-carbon future for Africa.
