Can a solar power grid be installed in Timor-Leste?

With the new UN reforms, the United Nations in Timor-Leste, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator has now started lighting the way with its solar-powered grid which has begun to give maximum dividends. It took almost a year – from feasibility to completion – to see the solar panel installed at the UN Timor-Leste compound.

Can a solar energy system help Timor-Leste achieve the 2030 Agenda?

"In Timor-Leste, our road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development starts at home. Our solar energy system can be a model for other UN Country Offices to show how we can jointly, sustainably and effectively tackle greenhouse emissions while reducing operational costs and scale up support across the United Nations System.

Does Timor-Leste have access to energy?

Access to energy remains a concerning challenge for many in Timor-Leste. The centralised nature of the local electricity supply chain has traditionally kept consumers reliant on the national grid to overcome chronic energy shortages.

Who bids for solar IPP project in Timor-Leste?

For Timor-Leste, bidders are typically from legacy countries such as Indonesia, Portugal and People’s Republic of China. For the Solar IPP project, Government of Timor-Leste represented by the Ministry of Finance has provided backstop guarantee for EDTL obligations under the Implementation Agreement.

How long did it take to install a solar panel in Timor-Leste?

It took almost a year – from feasibility to completion – to see the solar panel installed at the UN Timor-Leste compound. A powerful 300 kWp photovoltaic system is producing 400,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, filling critical gaps in energy supply.

Could Timor-Leste be a cost-efficient alternative energy solution?

The Operations Management Team started weighing the feasibility and working on a cost-efficient alternative energy solution in 2016-2017 when Timor-Leste was facing high electricity costs and increased CO2 emissions. "In Timor-Leste, our road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development starts at home.