Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 20, The Somali government has launched a tender for an 8 MW solar power plant paired with a 20 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Borama, the largest city in the Awdal region of northwestern Somalia. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s energy infrastructure and support sustainable development.

The contract includes the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the hybrid system. It also involves constructing 5 km of a 33 kV evacuation line to connect with Awdal Electric Company, the local utility. The project is funded through financing from the World Bank as part of the Somali Electricity Sector Recovery Project, which seeks to improve access to reliable energy across the country.

Interested parties can access complete bidding documents on the Somali government’s official website. A virtual pre-bid conference is scheduled for May 14, 2025, to address inquiries from potential bidders. Applications must be submitted by post no later than June 14, 2025.

This tender follows other recent solar-plus-storage projects in Somalia, including a 12 MW plant with 36 MWh storage and a 55 MW plant with 160 MWh storage, both accepting applications until May 5, 2025. These efforts reflect Somalia’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity.

According to the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA), Somalia’s total solar capacity reached 46 MW by the end of 2024, highlighting steady progress in the nation’s renewable energy sector. The new Borama project is expected to contribute significantly to meeting local energy demands and fostering economic growth in the Awdal region.