The landmark project includes drafting and negotiating a power purchase agreement (PPA) and an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Finance, marking a significant step in Timor-Leste's transition to renewable energy and modernising its electricity infrastructure.
What is the Timor-Leste solar power project?
The Project involves the construction and 25-year operation of a new power plant in Manatuto, Timor-Leste, comprising a 72 MW solar power plant co-located with a 36 MW/36 MWh battery energy storage system. This will be the country's first full-scale renewable energy IPP project.
José added: “The investment in Timor-Leste's solar and storage infrastructure is transformative. It will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving grid stability and energy access across the country”. José de Ponte was supported by special counsel Marnie Calli, senior associate Lisa Huynh and solicitor Jeraldine Mow.
DLA Piper advised Eletricidade de Timor-Leste on a PPA to develop Timor-Leste's first solar PV power plant and battery energy storage system.
Can Timor-Leste generate solar energy?
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.
How many power plants are there in Timor-Leste?
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.
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.