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.
Almost all main power sources in “Timor-Leste” depend on diesel electric power generation, and the fuel used for power generation (crude oil) is all imported.
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.
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.
The overall objective of this project is to develop, for the Government of East Timor, the Electrification Masterplan 2025 of East Timor based on Renewables Energies. The East Timor Renewable Energy Electrification Plan consists on the thorough analysis of wind, solar and hydro resources (including wind measurement stations installation).
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.