In June 2020, Somalia’s largest electricity provider, BECO, announced the opening of a new solar power plant in the capital city of Mogadishu. BECO is the only company that provides electricity for Mogadishu, Afgooye, Balad, Barawe, Kismayu, Marka, Jowhar and Elasha.
CHARACTERIZING RESOURCES AND LOADS IN MOGADISHU In order to build the daily load profile of Mogadishu city, this study analyzed the power production of the three private electric suppliers in the area: BECO, MPS, and Blue-Sky. These companies generate the electricity that powers the city, with each one operating independently.
According to Power Africa, a US government initiative, electricity providers in Somalia charge consumers up to $0.65 per kW h, primarily relying on isolated diesel-powered grids. 2 This rate significantly surpasses what consumers pay in many other parts of the world.
Expanding access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity is an urgent priority in Somalia, which suffers from high energy costs and climate vulnerability despite negligible emissions.
Because Somalia struggles with a lack of electricity and high electric costs, BECO’s new solar power plant has the potential to positively impact many people’s lives. When it opened, the power plant had the capacity to produce 8 MW.
“Access to energy is a precondition to development, supporting livelihoods and powering essential services such as education and healthcare,’ said UNDP Resident Representative in Somalia Jocelyn Mason. “However, 65% of people don’t have access to electricity in Somalia.