Ali Al-Shammari, the managing director and CEO of “Global South Utilities,” announced that the newly launched $1 billion investment portfolio by the UAE in Yemen aims to provide between 2 and 3 million households with clean energy through solar and wind power projects.
He stated that this portfolio is expected to generate over 6,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the Yemeni market, along with significant environmental benefits. These include a reduction of more than 17 million tons of carbon emissions and the saving of over 1.25 billion kilowatt-hours of traditional fuel consumption, equivalent to more than 330 million liters of diesel.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), he mentioned that during the first national energy conference in Yemen, the company presented a practical vision for reconstructing the electricity sector based on modern and scalable foundations, emphasizing that energy stability is not just a technical service but an economic driver that restarts hospitals, schools, and industries.
He explained that the company’s focus at the conference was on the new investment portfolio and the partnership model with Yemeni authorities, which is based on collaborative work and building real capacity within the country. This is aimed at fostering an environment that enables private sector participation and makes energy projects viable for growth and sustainability over the long term.
Regarding the key projects undertaken by the company in Yemen, including their costs and beneficiaries, Al-Shammari revealed that “Global South Utilities” has successfully implemented two major solar energy projects in the Aden and Shabwa governorates. The first is the Shabwa station, which is ready to provide clean electricity to around 330,000 homes. The second, the Aden station, is projected to supply electricity to approximately 687,000 homes upon its completion in 2026.
He highlighted that these projects will bring clean and stable electricity to over one million homes and establishments, marking a significant transformation in Yemen’s energy sector while also contributing to a reduction in hundreds of thousands of tons of emissions annually and decreasing reliance on costly fuels.
When asked about the humanitarian and social aspects of the company’s projects and their economic impact and role in enhancing environmental sustainability, Al-Shammari noted that these initiatives not only ensure stable electricity supply but also create an environment where people can lead more stable daily lives. Energy stability facilitates uninterrupted health services, continuous education in schools, and lower operating costs for businesses and small enterprises, all of which contribute directly to enhancing economic and social security.
Al-Shammari further pointed out the environmental benefits of the company’s projects, explaining that they provide clean energy that reduces emissions and protects resources, making them a fundamental part of a long-term sustainability framework.
He revealed that the company has an expansion plan centered on executing projects included in the new project portfolio launched by the UAE across various Yemeni governorates. This plan focuses on additional solar power projects, enhancing storage capacities, and developing distribution networks, thereby establishing a modern and reliable energy system capable of serving millions of households in the coming years.
Al-Shammari explained the goal of this plan is to establish a stable energy base that supports economic growth and attracts investment back into Yemen’s energy sector through a long-term partnership model between Yemeni authorities and the international private sector.
He confirmed that “Global South Utilities” is working on expanding its portfolio in multiple markets across Asia and Africa with projects related to solar energy, storage solutions, and distribution networks. This includes completing its acquisition of a 51% stake in “Yashel Enerji” in Uzbekistan, marking the first entry of an Emirati company into the renewable energy sector in the CIS countries.
Al-Shammari emphasized the company’s focus on building energy systems with a clear economic impact and scalable projects in partnership with governments and investors, stating that they will announce significant updates in the near future as they expand into additional markets under the long-term growth strategy led by the UAE.