The UN Development Agency (UNDP), working with the Ministry of Energy and Water and supported by grant funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), installed 298 solar panels—a 76KVA hybrid solar system—which will allow a saving of 35 percent on fuel consumption (or 120 liters daily) at Villa Somalia.
Somalia relies largely on imported oil and other fossil fuels for electricity generation and day-to-day activities, which has impacts on the economy and the environment. There is, however, significant potential in all regions for the use of renewable and alternative sources of energy—such as solar and wind power—that have so far remained largely untapped.
OFID Director-General Suleiman J Al-Herbish said: “It is clear that renewable energy sources have considerable potential in meeting many countries’ electricity needs. Actions like these, combined with the spirit of cooperation with like-minded institutions such as the UNDP, are integral to addressing the challenges of providing energy access in a sustainable manner.”
Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi M Gulaid said: “The installation of the solar system in the building will help create a better working environment and indeed a greener environment.
“Solar energy potential could be better exploited in Somalia, which enjoys over 310 sunny days—almost 3,000 hours of sunshine—yearly. makes it an ideal environment for generating clean energy through solar.”
The government is making strides toward encouraging the use of renewable energy across Somalia, and has incorporated these efforts in its National Development Plan.
UNDP Country Director George Conway said: “Innovation in the field of renewable sources of energy has a huge potential in Somalia, particularly at a time when the construction industry is booming with many Somalis investing in restoring their lost dwellings, and the government in public buildings and basic social infrastructure.”
Supported by OFID, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and UNDP, the project also aims to scale-up the provision of affordable and clean energy across civil service offices in Somalia. Six additional government offices will each be provided with 1,500 watt solar systems in the near future. In addition, 500 solar lanterns will be distributed to rural communities or community centers without access to reliable sources of energy and 50 young people will be trained to operate and maintain solar energy equipment.
