Abu dhabi: Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities (GSU), announced that the UAE's US$1 billion investment in Yemen is set to supply clean energy to between two and three million homes through solar and wind projects.
According to Emirates News Agency, Alshimmari highlighted that this investment portfolio is projected to generate over 6,000 direct and indirect jobs in Yemen. It also aims to achieve significant environmental benefits, such as reducing more than 17 million tonnes of carbon emissions and saving over 1.25 billion kWh of conventional fuel, equivalent to 330 million litres of diesel.
Alshimmari, in statements to WAM, emphasized during the Yemen First National Energy Conference that the company has a practical plan to modernize the country's electricity sector. He underscored that stable power is an essential economic driver, enabling efficient operations of hospitals, schools, and industries.
He explained that GSU's participation in the conference showcased the new investment portfolio and its collaborative model with Yemeni entities. This approach is designed to foster private-sector engagement and ensure the long-term sustainability of energy projects in the region.
Alshimmari detailed that Global South Utilities has already executed major solar projects in Aden and Shabwa governorates. The Shabwa plant is ready to supply clean electricity to about 330,000 homes, while the Aden plant, expected to be completed by 2026, will serve around 687,000 homes. Together, these projects will deliver clean electricity to over a million homes, significantly transforming Yemen's energy sector.
He revealed that the company's expansion aligns with the UAE's investment across various Yemeni governorates, with plans for additional solar projects, enhanced storage capacity, and upgraded distribution networks. These efforts aim to establish a reliable energy system serving millions of homes in the future.
Alshimmari stated that the goal is to create a stable energy base that supports economic growth and attracts investment through long-term partnerships involving Yemeni institutions and international private-sector partners.
Additionally, he mentioned that Global South Utilities is expanding across Asia and Africa, undertaking solar projects, storage solutions, and distribution network enhancements. Notably, the company acquired a 51 percent stake in Uzbekistan's Yashil Energiya, marking the UAE's first entry into the renewable energy sector in the CIS region.
Alshimmari concluded by reiterating GSU's commitment to developing scalable energy systems that deliver clear economic benefits through collaboration with governments and investors.