Somalia Off-Grid Solar: Powering Up with New Tenders
The Somali Government is set to launch tenders this year for the development of off-grid solar and storage projects, a pivotal move towards enhancing energy security and sustainable development. The initiative will be funded through the World Bank’s Somalia Electricity Sector Recovery Project (SESRP) and managed by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) and the Somali Electricity Corporation (SEC).
Tenders and Project Details for Somalia off-grid solar
The tenders will be conducted in multiple phases, with the first focusing on the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of off-grid solar power facilities for the Abudwaq and Balanbale district electricity companies. The projects will include solar arrays, battery energy storage systems, and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for remote monitoring and control. The solar arrays, constructed from various solar panel raw materials, will have a capacity of 2 MWp each, while the battery energy storage systems will have a substantial capacity of 3.3 MW/17 MWh each to ensure consistent power supply.
The second phase will invite bids for the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of solar microgrids in the rural villages of Tulo-Barwaqo, Afmadow, Bardhere, and Dollow. This phase will also include crucial capacity building for the Somali Electricity Corporation (SEC) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the projects.
These projects are part of a broader, multi-sector effort to reform and expand Somalia’s energy sector. This national strategy is also targeting other essential public services; for example, a separate Somalia off-grid solar tender: Essential power for 22 facilities has been launched by the Ministry of Health to ensure reliable electricity for healthcare. In a similar vein, Somalia Launches Solar Projects to Power Schools, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to leveraging renewable energy. These tenders are underpinned by strong regulatory groundwork, including a recent Somalia renewable energy: Impressive 2024 licensing boost that streamlines the process for mini-grid development.
Funding and Management
The initiative is a core component of the World Bank’s Somalia Electricity Sector Recovery Project (SESRP), which aims to rebuild and enhance the country’s energy infrastructure. The project is being managed jointly by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR) and the Somali Electricity Corporation (SEC). A key objective is strengthening the capacity of these local institutions to manage and maintain the new energy infrastructure independently, ensuring the projects deliver lasting benefits. The funding covers a complex scope, from initial design to final commissioning, with a financial overview as detailed as a solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown.
Addressing the Energy Gap with Somalia off-grid solar
With one of the lowest electricity access rates globally, many communities in Somalia rely on expensive and polluting diesel generators. These solar projects are poised to significantly improve access to clean, reliable electricity in remote and underserved areas, thereby supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life. By integrating battery storage systems, the projects will ensure a stable supply of electricity, overcoming the intermittency of solar power and providing energy around the clock.
The solar microgrids will provide affordable energy to rural villages, directly reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. This transition is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the environment and the health of local populations. The benefits of solar power are being harnessed for other critical needs as well; for instance, a separate initiative shows how ATMIS Constructs Solar-Powered Water Project in Somalia, highlighting the versatility of this technology for essential services.
This nationwide initiative reflects Somalia’s strong commitment to sustainable development. By investing in renewable energy, the government is not only improving life for its citizens but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The long-term vision could even spur local industry, as familiarity with the technology and the solar panel manufacturing machines required may foster future economic opportunities, a potential explored in the Somalia Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
These projects represent a significant leap forward for Somalia’s energy landscape. To learn more about the technology that makes these transformations possible, consider exploring our free e-course on solar energy.
