Presidential Leadership Council Member and Governor of Hadramawt, Mr. Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi, discussed the latest developments in the electricity and fuel crisis plaguing the governorate today in Mukalla. He met with the Deputy Governor of Hadramawt for the Valley and Desert Region, Mr. Jumaan Barbaa, in the presence of the Deputy Governor of Hadramawt, Mr. Hassan Al-Jilani, the Director General of the Hadramawt Coast Branch of the Yemen Petroleum Company, Mr. Saeed Al-Dini, and the Director General of the Hadramawt Valley Branch of the Yemen Petroleum Company, Mr. Bin Jabha.

The meeting addressed the current challenges facing the electricity and energy sectors in the governorate, given the significant rise in temperatures and humidity during the summer season, and the accompanying unprecedented increase in electricity demand. This situation is exacerbated by the current fuel shortage and the scarcity of available petroleum products compared to the actual needs of power generation plants in the Hadramawt Coast and Valley. Governor Al-Khanbashi and Deputy Governor Barba’a affirmed that the local authority in Hadramawt Governorate places the electricity sector among its top priorities and is making concerted efforts to address the current crisis and alleviate the suffering of citizens. This is being achieved through the implementation of urgent relief solutions and sustainable strategic projects that contribute to strengthening the electricity grid and ensuring the stability of energy services in both the short and long term.

They noted that the governorate witnessed the signing last Sunday of a preliminary investment partnership agreement to establish a limited liability company. This company will be responsible for supplying, constructing, financing, developing, operating, maintaining, and transferring ownership of a 50-megawatt solar power plant equipped with battery energy storage systems, according to a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The plant will be located in the Al-Qatn Plateau, within the Hadramawt Valley and Hadramawt Desert districts, representing a significant shift towards investing in renewable energy projects and reducing reliance on traditional fuels. The meeting also reviewed the progress made in finalizing the procedures for the arrival and operation of backup power plants designated for the Hadramawt coast and valley, with a total production capacity of 200 megawatts. This is being done under the auspices, support, and coordination of the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, which will contribute to enhancing the electricity grid's power generation capacity and improving the level of service provided to citizens.

On the security front, the meeting discussed the security situation in the governorate's various districts and the level of security preparedness to maintain security and stability. Attendees commended the efforts of the security and military forces in protecting public and private property, strengthening public order, and confronting various challenges to ensure the governorate's stability and protect the interests of its citizens.

The meeting emphasized the importance of concerted official and community efforts during this phase and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing service crises and enhancing security and stability. This will meet the aspirations of the people of Hadramawt and contribute to accelerating development and improving the level of basic services in the governorate.