The government of Comoros has switched on three solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 20 MW.

The newly-operational sites include a 12.86 MW array on the island of Grande Comore, a 4.05 MW installation on the island of Anjouan and a 3.1 MW installation on the island of Mohéli.

Project works also encompassed the deployment of two battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 8 MW/16 MWh across Grande Comore and Anjouan, as well as approximately 30 kilometres of 20 kV transmission lines.

The projects were implemented by Abu Dhabi-based developer Masdar and managed by energy infrastructure developer Global South Utilities. They were financed by approximately AED 84.4 million ($22.9 million) by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

According to details published by Masdar, the three plants will generate approximately 33.75 GWh of electricity, equivalent to the needs of around 17,500 households.

The project’s expected annual solar generation is equivalent to approximately 13.3% of total electricity demand and 22.5% of actual generation in the country.

Comoros has been facing mounting challenges in its electricity sector, with around 3,000 power outages during the year. The country still remains heavily reliant on imported diesel, which accounted for 91% of its energy mix in 2024.

Jumaa Rashid Alromaithi, Ambassador of the UAE to the Comoros, said the project demonstrates how innovative renewable energy and storage solutions can help address the country’s energy needs and support its long-term development priorities.

“By strengthening the Comoros’ energy infrastructure and expanding access to reliable solar power, the project supports greater energy resilience while laying stronger foundations for economic and social development,” Alromaithi said.

There is an additional 46.9 MW of operational solar in the Comoros, according to figures published by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) in its online project database.