Somalia Issues Tender for 10 MW Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Plant

The Ministry of Water Resources in Somalia has launched a tender for the development of a 10 MW hybrid solar-plus-storage plant in Garowe, Puntland. This project is part of the Somali Electricity Sector Recovery Project and aims to support the country’s growing renewable energy infrastructure.

The tender covers the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 10 MW solar power plant, paired with a 20 MWh battery energy storage system. The project also includes a 33 kV evacuation line to facilitate energy distribution. The site spans 290 hectares in Garowe and will provide clean, reliable electricity for local communities and businesses.

The project is being developed for the National Energy Corp. of Somalia, one of the country’s largest utility providers, with financing from the World Bank. A pre-bid conference is scheduled to take place virtually on January 23, 2025, allowing interested parties to seek clarifications and align on project requirements. The deadline for application submissions is set for February 10, 2025.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Somalia’s installed solar capacity reached 51 MW by the end of 2023, up from 47 MW in 2022. The new hybrid solar-plus-storage project is expected to further expand the country’s renewable energy portfolio, reducing reliance on diesel-powered generation and improving energy security.

This project aligns with Somalia’s broader strategy to increase renewable energy access and support economic development. In addition to this tender, Somalia issued a separate call in November 2024 for the development of 25 off-grid solar-plus-storage plants at health facilities across two regions. These off-grid systems aim to provide stable electricity to critical infrastructure in underserved areas.