The generation capacity in Timor-Leste currently stands at almost 300 MW consisting of 3 power plants. In addition to these main power plants meeting most of the power demand of the country, small diesel-fired generators serve as a significant source of electric power in many localities with inadequate power from the grid. These diesel-fired power plants all lead to high emissions and run at tariff around 30 cent/kw. More than 75% of oil imports in Timor-Leste are used for electricity production across the country and around 90% of the sector’s operating costs are fuel costs associated with power generation. The Government of Timor-Leste intends to replace part of this high-cost generation by more cost-efficient solar power.

As almost the whole territory of Timor-Leste has the potential to successfully generate solar energy, the Government is keen to tap into this potential to setup utility scale solar plants as well as off-grid lighting solutions for remote localities.

The project is expected to comprise of a utility scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant of up to 100 megawatt (MW) and supporting infrastructure. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) may be added for the storage of renewable power.