Somalia is looking for bids to build a new energy park. The project will use 55 MW of solar power and 160 MWh of battery storage. The goal is to bring more clean and affordable energy to Somalia.
The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources has announced the tender. It is asking for proposals from companies interested in designing, building, and testing the solar panels and battery storage systems. The winning bidder will also install and connect the systems to the local grid.
A Step Toward Cleaner Energy
Somalia still depends heavily on diesel generators. These are expensive and polluting. The new project will help the country move away from fossil fuels and rely more on renewable energy.
The solar-storage project will be built at the Jazeera Power Plant in Mogadishu, the capital. Once completed, it will connect to the national grid run by Beco, the country’s transmission system operator.
The project is part of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Somalia program. This program is supported by the World Bank. It aims to help Somalia build a stronger, more sustainable energy system.
Other Solar Projects in Somalia
This new solar-storage project is not the only one in Somalia. Two other projects are currently seeking bids. One is for a 5.3 MW solar park with 8.3 MWh of batteries. It will be built for Baioda Electric Company. The other project is a 10 MW solar park with 20 MWh of battery storage for the National Energy Company of Somalia.
These projects aim to help provide cleaner, more reliable energy for local areas. They will reduce Somalia’s reliance on diesel and help protect the environment.
Why This Matters
Somalia’s energy system is currently weak. Diesel generators are expensive and can break down. Renewable energy, like solar power, is a cleaner and cheaper option. This new solar-storage project will help improve the country’s energy security.
The World Bank is helping fund this project. Their support shows that international cooperation is key for big projects like this. It will help Somalia become less dependent on fossil fuels and start using more solar energy.
A meeting for bidders will be held on March 13. The deadline to submit bids is April 14, 2025. The chosen company will need to finish the project in 15 to 18 months.
The success of this project will make Somalia’s energy system stronger. It will also provide a model for other countries in Africa that are looking to improve their energy access.
For the latest Somalia news updates, stay tuned to Daljoog News.