Somalia has launched a competitive tender [1] for a 55 MWp solar power plant with a 160 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources announced the tender, aiming to transform the country’s energy landscape and reduce its heavy reliance on diesel generators.
The project, funded by the World Bank under the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Somalia initiative, is set to be located at the Jazeera Power Plant in Mogadishu. The deadline for bid submissions is April 14, 2025, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for March 13 to assist interested bidders.
Somalia’s energy sector has long been dependent on diesel generators, leading to high energy costs and environmental concerns. The new solar-storage project aims to provide a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. By integrating solar power with battery storage, the project will enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create job opportunities in the region.
The tender is part of a broader effort to increase renewable energy capacity in Somalia, which had only 49 MW of renewable energy capacity installed by the end of 2023. The project is expected to be completed within 15 to 18 months from the effective date of the contract.
This initiative is seen as a significant step towards improving energy access and promoting economic development in Somalia. The successful implementation of the project could pave the way for further investments in renewable energy and contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals.
Sources:
[1] Somalia awaits bids in 55-MWp solar-storage tender https://renewablesnow.com/news/somalia-awaits-bids-in-55-mwp-solar-storage-tender-1270551/