Comoros inaugurates 6.3MW solar plant funded by ADFD to enhance renewable energy access
Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) marked the inauguration of a 6.3-megawatt solar power plant in the Comoros, funded with a AED25.7 million (US$7 million). The project enhances the nation's energy infrastructure, helping meet growing energy demands and stimulate economic growth, while highlighting the Fund's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable advancement. Aligned with the UAE's global development strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to expanding clean energy access and building long-term resilience in partner nations.
The solar plant will provide a reliable, renewable energy source for Moroni, the capital, and nearby regions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and improving the quality of life for residents.
The inauguration ceremony was led by His Excellency Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, in the presence of His Excellency Jumaa Rashed Al Remeithi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Union of the Comoros, alongside government representatives from both nations.
Praised the partnership, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, said: 'The UAE has a remarkable record in driving renewable energy advancements and climate action. ADFD's role in supporting sustainable energy projects is commendable, reinforcing global sustainability principles and leveraging innovative technologies to expand access to clean energy.'
He highlighted the project's transformative impact adding: 'Our collaboration with ADFD has been instrumental in achieving our development goals and our shared commitment to protecting our planet. This solar plant represents more than just an energy project; it is a milestone in our transitional journey to clean energy, strengthening economic stability and generating new job opportunities.'
For his part, H.E. Al Remeithi said: 'This significant project reflects the close ties between the UAE and the Union of the Comoros, demonstrating the UAE's unwavering commitment to promote sustainable development and enhance strategic partnerships across vital sectors, particularly renewable energy. The initiative is regarded as a prominent step toward achieving environmental stability, which highlights the UAE's dedication to supporting clean energy projects, showcasing the country's keenness to strengthen global efforts to address climate change.'
His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: 'This solar plant marks a milestone in advancing economic and social development in the Comoros. By investing in renewable energy, we contribute to long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure this project delivers lasting benefits for present and future generations.'
He emphasized ADFD's focus on clean energy as a driver of stability, adding that the support for the energy sector is a priority for ADFD, given its critical role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. 'Our investment in clean energy projects reflects our commitment to drive economic stability and a sustainable future,' he remarked.
The solar plant will integrate with the Comoros' national grid via medium-voltage lines, ensuring stable electricity access for the region. This project underscores the Fund's longstanding partnership with the Comoros, which has included AED 439.4 million (US$ 119.6 million) in concessional loans and grants since 1979 to fund critical sectors such as energy, health, education, and transport.
By advancing clean energy infrastructure, the initiative directly supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while fulfilling ADFD's mandate to drive sustainable development globally.
About Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is an autonomous UAE institution, committed to advancing sustainable development worldwide in alignment with the national vision. Established in 1971 by the Abu Dhabi government, the Fund provides concessional loans and grants to developing countries for strategic projects, while also making long-term investments and direct contributions. Additionally, ADFD actively supports the UAE's national economy by financing private sector investments and promoting Emirati exports through the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX). Over half a century, the Fund has supported 107 developing countries, with its projects and investments totaling around AED 216 billion. These efforts have contributed to the global advancement towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
www.adfd.ae
AbuDhabiFund
AbuDhabi_Fund
AbuDhabiFund
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fintech News ME
43 minutes ago
- Fintech News ME
Visa Names Tareq Muhmood as Regional President for CEMEA
Visa has announced the appointment of Tareq Muhmood as Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA). In this role, Muhmood will oversee operations across more than 86 markets in the region, where Visa serves over 1,800 clients through 23 local offices. Muhmood brings over three decades of experience in banking and payments. He most recently led Value-Added Services for Visa's Europe region from London and joined the company in 2019 as Group Country Manager for Southeast Asia, based in Singapore. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at Ahli United Bank, ANZ, and HSBC. Muhmood will be based in Dubai and reports to Oliver Jenkyn, Group President, Global Markets at Visa. He takes over from Andrew Torre, who has been appointed President of Visa's Value-Added Services division. That unit has grown into a US$9 billion global business, with an annualised revenue growth rate of 20% since 2021. Commenting on his appointment, Muhmood said: 'It is a great honour to lead the CEMEA region, and to continue the progress made in transforming the future of payments, commerce, and money movement across such dynamic markets. Having spent over a third of my career in the region, I am excited by the opportunity to further expand digital payments to more consumers, merchants, and economies. I look forward to working with our team to support growth with clients and partners throughout the region.'
Al Etihad
14 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE: Archer Aviation ties up with Jetex to build infra for its air taxi network
22 June 2025 18:37 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Archer Aviation, the US-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has announced a strategic partnership to develop infrastructure across Jetex's international portfolio of private terminals to support Archer's planned commercial air taxi network. In a statement, Archer said the collaboration would initially focus on Jetex's facilities in the UAE but is expected to expand across Jetex's global network of 40 private aircraft terminals in more than 30 countries. The partnership will involve designing passenger experiences, deploying charging infrastructure, and integrating Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft into daily operations at terminals serviced by founded in 2005 and headquartered in Dubai, offers a wide range of private aviation services including fixed-base operations (FBOs), ground handling, fueling, global trip planning, aircraft charter and concierge services. The company caters to corporate, commercial, and personal air travel markets and is known for its high-end service standards. 'eVTOL technology is an instrumental part of our industry, designed to transform urban mobility and shape the future of business aviation,' said Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex. 'We are proud to work with our partners at Archer on making this ambitious vision a reality at Jetex Abu Dhabi and our other global destinations.'Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said the partnership is a key step in delivering a seamless premium air taxi experience. 'Building a beautiful, safe and high-performing aircraft is only one aspect of our business,' he noted. 'To succeed in the UAE and beyond we need to pair Midnight with strategic infrastructure that allows us to operate by delivering a premium experience for our passengers. Jetex, with its global footprint and deep expertise in luxury service, is an ideal partner.' The announcement comes as Archer advances regulatory and operational efforts in the UAE, including recent design approval for the country's first hybrid heliport at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal and ongoing cooperation with Abu Dhabi Aviation.
Middle East Eye
14 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Why has Turkey stopped short of condemning the US strikes on Iran?
Turkey has stopped short of condemning the US strikes on Iran, despite many of the Islamic Republic's major allies, as well as several regional states, criticising the escalation and viewing it as a risky gambit. US President Donald Trump said in a televised address late on Saturday that Washington had struck three of Iran's nuclear sites in an effort to disable the Islamic Republic's nuclear enrichment capabilities. "I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated," Trump said, adding that Tehran needed to "make peace" as he threatened more intense attacks if it did not. "There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," he added. Several hours after the attacks took place, Turkey's foreign ministry warned that the strikes risked further destabilising the region's security environment. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "Turkey is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of the US attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear facilities," the ministry said. Israel-US attack on Iran: The price of Netanyahu's forever wars Read More » "Ongoing developments could escalate the regional conflict to a global level. We do not want this catastrophic scenario to become reality." This measured tone stood in stark contrast to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks a day earlier, in which he described the weeks-long Israeli strikes as "banditry". Although Ankara has long opposed Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, it has also consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions. Notably, in 2010, Turkey and Brazil brokered a nuclear fuel swap deal in an effort to defuse tensions. "Iran's pursuit of so-called nuclear deterrence, justified by its leaders as a necessary defence, is viewed in Turkiye as a dangerous gamble that could trigger a regional arms race," wrote Murat Yesiltas, a security expert at the Seta think tank and a member of the Turkish Presidency's Council on Foreign Relations, on Sunday. "Turkey's opposition to Israeli aggression does not imply tacit support for Iran's nuclear ambitions." Long-term political considerations Ankara has characterised Israel's recent attacks on Iran's facilities as unprovoked, particularly in light of reports that neither US intelligence nor the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes Tehran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon. This explains why Turkish officials were quick to condemn the Israeli attacks, which they see as opening a new rift in the region and potentially provoking a broader war, especially following Israel's attacks on Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. According to Iranian state-run Nour News, citing Iran's Ministry of Health, Israel's strikes since 13 June have killed 430 people and injured around 3,500. Israeli officials say at least 25 people in Israel have been killed by Iranian strikes and hundreds have been wounded.. Erdogan has instead sought to de-escalate the situation, and has held several phone calls with key leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump. Through these conversations, Erdogan has positioned himself as a potential mediator, offering Istanbul as a venue for nuclear talks between the US and Iran. Rather than issuing harsh condemnations of Trump, Erdogan appears keen to maintain his good relationship with the US president, a relationship that previously helped persuade Trump to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa's administration. Turkish officials, confirming weekend reporting by Axios, told Middle East Eye that Erdogan succeeded last week in convincing Trump to send Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to Istanbul, where they were to meet with an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Trump even suggested he might attend the negotiations himself. US attacks Iran: What are the Islamic Republic's options? Read More » However, the meeting ultimately did not take place, as Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could not be reached to make a final decision, Turkish officials said. The Turkish foreign ministry's latest statement reflects Erdogan's continued desire to host talks between the US and Iran. "The only solution to the conflict regarding Iran's nuclear programme is through negotiations," the statement read. "Turkey is ready to fulfill its responsibilities and make constructive contributions." Despite his fiery rhetoric, Erdogan often walks a fine line in regional conflicts, seeking to avoid taking sides in order to position Turkey advantageously. Turkey's Nato membership and its ongoing close relationship with Washington give it leverage with both adversaries and allies in pursuit of its strategic goals. "Turkey's stance on the Israel-Iran conflict is not based on short-term political considerations," Yesiltas said. "The risks are not abstract. They include direct threats to [Turkey's] territorial security, energy security, economic goals and demographic stability."
