Will CNNP move into the solar market of Timor-Leste?

The renewables unit of China National Nuclear Power (CNNP) is considering a move into the solar market of the Southeast Asian market of Timor-Leste, two sources told Infralogic. CNNP Rich Energy is interested in taking part in an international tender to develop a solar plus battery energy storage system, they said.

How long will the integrated power facility last in Timor-Leste?

The duration of the integrated power facility will be about 25 years, and the bid deadline is 1 May. Renewables account for only 8% of the total electricity supply in Timor-Leste, with 99% of that coming from bioenergy and 1% from solar, according to a report issued by the International Energy Agency last year.

Can a Timor-Leste solar power plant be financed?

The tender, which was announced in February this year by state utility Eletricidade de Timor-Leste, is seeking an investor that can design, finance, operate and maintain a 72-85 MW solar power plant and a 36-43 MW battery energy project under long-term purchase agreements with the state grid in the capital city of Manatuto, the sources said.

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.

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.

Will Timor-Leste replace oil imports with solar power?

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.