Hydropower transformers have been shipped from ports in Tilbury starting this week, as U.K. manufacturers seek to harness Angola’s vast hydropower potential and help diversify the country away from dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation.
The Angolan government has employed Scottish utilities contractor IQA to increase the network capacity of its national power grid, as the country aims to stabilize its electricity supply by constructing six hydropower plants by 2025.
IQA is supplying high-tech transformers built by Loughborough-based BRUSH Transformers and General Electric in its Staffordshire factory. As the transformers have already been built, they will soon be installed in cities throughout Angola.
“We are excited to ship these U.K. manufactured components that will bring renewable electricity to huge parts of Angola,” said Antonio Henarejos, Managing Director of IQA. “This is just the first stage of a massive development that will help power homes, businesses and much more. Expertise from the U.K. is central to helping us deliver this.”
The securement of the deal was enabled by U.K. Export Finance (UKEF), the U.K.’s export credit agency, which provided nearly $85 million in export finance guarantees.
“We are proud to help U.K. businesses benefit from huge overseas projects like this,” said Jon Boyce, UKEF’s Senior Export Finance Manager for Scotland. “Our financial support is helping U.K. firms meet global demand in sectors like manufacturing, boosting trade across the U.K.”
The construction of hydropower plants aligns with the country’s broader Angola Energy 2025 Vision, which centers on creating increased capacity and distribution capabilities, supported by new renewables and private sector investment.
