- Somalia has launched a 12 MW solar power plant tender paired with a 36 MWh battery energy storage system as part of the World Bank-funded Somali Electricity Sector Recovery Project.
- The project includes the construction of 13.5 km of 33 kV transmission lines to integrate the new capacity into the local grid.
Somalia is taking another step toward energy sustainability by launching a tender for a 12 MW solar power plant paired with a 36 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the northeastern port city of Berbera.
The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, aligns with the country’s broader strategy to enhance electricity access through renewable energy solutions. The selected developer will handle the entire project lifecycle, from design and supply to installation, testing, and commissioning.
Furthermore, the project includes the construction of 13.5 km of 33 kV transmission lines to integrate the new capacity into the local grid. With a completion timeline of 15 months, the initiative is part of the World Bank-funded Somali Electricity Sector Recovery Project, which aims to strengthen energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on costly diesel-powered generators.
This latest tender builds on Somalia’s growing commitment to hybrid solar-plus-storage projects. Earlier this year, the government launched a 55 MW solar and 160 MWh BESS tender in Mogadishu, followed by a 10 MW solar and 20 MWh BESS project in January and February.
Somalia’s solar sector has been steadily growing, with installed capacity reaching 51 MW by the end of 2023, up from 47 MW in 2022, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The increasing solar and battery storage investment underscores the country’s shift toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems.
To attract bidders, a pre-bid conference is scheduled for April 5, 2025. This conference will provide prospective developers with an opportunity to gain insights into the project requirements. The final deadline for applications is set for May 5, 2025.
With Somalia’s ongoing efforts to integrate renewable energy into its power infrastructure, projects like the Berbera solar storage initiative could play a key role in reducing electricity costs, enhancing energy security, and supporting economic development in the region.