Solar Power Expansion Brings Relief to Yemen’s Strained Grid and Offers Hope in the Middle East Energy Scheme

Yemen’s first large-scale solar power facility, the Aden Solar Power Plant, is representing a significant addition to the country’s electricity generation capacity. Operational since July 2024 and funded with regional support, the 120-megawatt facility currently provides power for an estimated 150,000 to 170,000 homes in Aden and surrounding areas. According to the International Energy Agency, Yemen is the Middle East’s least electrified nation, highlighting the importance of the Aden facility in addressing energy shortages.

For nearly three decades, Yemen has faced chronic electricity shortages due to fuel supply issues and widespread damage to its infrastructure from prolonged conflict. These challenges have created long outages, particularly affecting commercial activity and household stability. Businesses in Aden have reported losses caused by damaged goods during power cuts. Early reports suggest that the solar facility is helping to stabilize supply at a local scale.

While solar represented just 10.4 percent of Yemen’s electricity generation in 2023, the share is projected to increase significantly. A second phase of the Aden Solar Power Plant, scheduled for 2026, will double its current capacity. The expansion is expected to improve reliability, reduce dependence on fuel imports, and support a more resilient energy framework, according to project plans.

Beyond energy delivery, the integration of solar facilities in Yemen’s arid environment involves geotechnical considerations. Engineers point to factors such as soil bearing capacity, drainage in flood-prone areas, and resistance to dust and wind loading as critical for the long-term stability of solar infrastructure. Ongoing monitoring of ground conditions and adaptable foundation design are cited as important measures for maintaining performance under environmental stresses.