- Four projects with combined capacity of 1.8 MW now delivering 24 hour electricity supply.
- Over 9,500 customers connected including health and education facilities.
- More than 940 million Birr invested through World Bank loan financing.
The Somali Region has commissioned four new solar power projects with a combined generation capacity of 1.8 MW, significantly expanding access to reliable electricity across underserved communities.
Developed at a total cost of more than 940 million Birr and fully financed through a loan from the World Bank, the projects are now delivering 24 hour power supply to over 9,500 customers, including households as well as critical public institutions such as schools and health facilities.
The solar plants are located in Dig, NusDiriq, Gashamo and Merqan Kebeles, strengthening rural electrification efforts in the Somali Region. Construction works included the installation of 20.42 km of medium voltage lines, 78.46 km of low voltage lines and 21 transformers of varying capacities, supporting stable distribution networks across the project sites.
The Dig Solar Power Project, located in Dig District in the Jarrer Zone, has an installed capacity of 350 kW and is expected to serve more than 1,500 residents including social institutions. The project required 3.03 km of medium voltage lines, 21.46 km of low voltage lines and three transformers.
In Mersin District of the Korahle Zone, the NusDiriq Solar Power Project delivers 275 kW of generation capacity and will benefit over 800 households. Infrastructure works included 3 km of medium voltage lines, 13.5 km of low voltage lines and three transformers.
The largest of the four installations, the Gashamo Solar Power Project in Gashamo District of the Jarrer Zone, has a capacity of 1 MW. It will supply electricity to more than 6,000 households. The project included the installation of 10 km of medium voltage lines, 26 km of low voltage lines and six transformers.
Meanwhile, the Merqan Solar Power Project in Merqan Town in the Dolo Zone has an installed capacity of 250 kW and will serve over 1,100 residents including social institutions. Construction works covered 4.39 km of medium voltage lines, 17.5 km of low voltage lines and four transformers.
The four projects form part of a broader national renewable energy rollout. To date, 38 solar power projects have been completed and are operational across the country, with eight solar power stations currently serving communities within the Somali Region alone.
The commissioning marks a continued push to scale decentralised renewable energy infrastructure, improve energy security and stimulate socio economic development in off grid and remote areas.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
