The government of Somalia has rolled out tender to for the development of a 10 MW hybrid solar-plus-storage plant project. The move is part of the Somali Electricity Sector Recovery Project.
The project, financed by the World Bank, will be set up in Garowe, Puntland on a 290-hectare site. The tender involves design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 10 MW solar power plant integrated with a 20 MWh battery energy storage system. It will also include construction of a 33 kV evacuation line to connect the plant to the grid.
The project is being developed for the National Energy Corp. of Somalia, one of the country’s largest utility companies. A pre-bid conference for the project is scheduled to be held virtually on January 23, 2025, with the application deadline set for February 10, 2025.
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Energy potential
Somalia has significant potential for renewable energy development due to its abundant natural resources. The country has one of the highest solar and wind energy potentials in Africa, which could be pivotal in addressing its energy deficit and supporting sustainable development. Solar energy systems have significant potential as a source of electricity and power in Somalia. The country’s geographical location, climate and high solar radiation levels make the introduction of photovoltaic panels a highly suitable alternative to fossil fuels, according to the Energy Strategy Reviews.
This latest tender signals Somalia’s growing commitment to sustainable energy and improving energy access across the country. By the end of 2023, Somalia had deployed 51 MW of solar energy, marking growth from 47 MW in 2022, according to IRENA. In November 2024, Somalia issued another tender for the development of 25 off-grid solar-plus-storage plants at health facilities across two regions. These initiatives aim to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.
