Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is setting ambitious goals as it embarks on a journey to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative is part of a holistic strategy aimed not just at slashing high electricity costs, but also at significantly expanding access in its rural communities and gradually breaking the long-standing reliance on imported diesel fuel.
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Collaborating closely with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Somalia’s new approach envisions a formidable leap in renewable energy capacity, forecasting an increase from a modest 54 megawatts in 2023 to an impressive 392 megawatts by the decade’s end. This comprehensive strategy also designates a notable 30% rise in off-grid generation, explicitly focusing on regions that are often overlooked, such as Galmudug and Jubaland.
The recently released IRENA report, entitled ‘Energy Transition Assessment: Somalia,’ meticulously elaborates on this ambitious plan. It outlines the outlined 30% expansion of off-grid power, emphasizing its importance in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, it promotes the implementation of cleaner cooking technologies, including biogas and solar cookers, which could not only improve living standards but also have a profound impact on public health.
“This is about building a reliable system from scratch,” states Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame, Somalia’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources. It’s not merely about making electricity available; it encompasses powering critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and water supply—and, by extension, enhancing livelihoods.
The report highlights that Somalia is uniquely positioned to utilize its abundant solar and wind resources. With solar irradiation levels ranging from 6 to 8 kWh/m² daily in various regions, and wind speeds in Northeastern State and North Western State of Somalia averaging 9 to 10 meters per second—these factors position Somalia as a frontrunner in East Africa for renewable energy potential. Yet, decades of neglect have left the nation without a cohesive national grid and with regulatory frameworks that are still in their infancy.
The report advocates for several infrastructural updates, including enhanced solar and wind atlases, a unified geographic database, and the establishment of a national body dedicated to energy donor coordination. Moreover, a new regulatory framework concerning licensing, grid connections, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) is critical to creating a foundation for this ambitious transformation.
Currently, Somalia grapples with one of the highest electricity costs in Africa, fluctuating between $0.60 and $1.00 per kilowatt hour—an amount that is roughly triple the regional average. Alarmingly, about 80% of the population lacks access to the grid, leaving many in a precarious situation. The existing energy sector largely consists of fragmented, privately operated diesel mini-grids that remain both inefficient and under-regulated.
The IRENA report cautions that without substantial reforms and strategic investments, Somalia risks remaining ensnared in a vicious cycle characterized by high costs and limited access. The Electricity Act passed in 2023 is a step forward, yet its full implementation—including standardized tariffs and licensing processes—has lagged. Officials acknowledge that building a robust national utility and expanding the capacity of the National Electricity Authority will be critical in attracting private investments and ultimately reducing energy costs.
Interestingly, Somalia’s diaspora could play a pivotal role in bridging the energy access gap. With remittances exceeding $1.3 billion a year, many have already financed solar systems, micro-grids, and backup generators. Experts believe that formalizing the flow of these financial resources could significantly expedite energy access, particularly in areas beyond Mogadishu, thereby stimulating local business growth.
A promising example of this emerging model is a hybrid solar plant located in Baidoa. Developed by the Norwegian company Kube Energy in collaboration with the Southwest State government, this facility provides electricity to both the UN and local institutions. The system, which boasts a capacity of 2.8 MW, features battery storage along with diesel backup and is set to transition ownership to the state after 15 years.
IRENA suggests amplifying such public-private partnerships via UN-backed PPAs and leveraging investments from Somalia’s diaspora to fuel independent power producer (IPP) initiatives.
A striking aspect of the IRENA report is its focus on the need for a new generation of trained energy technicians. A strategic education and training framework should be established to ensure compliance with technical qualifications and make project-specific training materials accessible to all.
The roadmap laid out by IRENA also emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in traditional cooking methods. Currently, over 90% of households rely heavily on firewood or charcoal, practices that significantly contribute to deforestation and pose serious health risks. The use of biogas digesters, solar cookers, and clean briquettes is being piloted in various urban areas, including Beledweyne and Garowe.
This strategy is also pivotal in informing Somalia’s updated climate commitment, referred to as NDC 3.0, in preparation for the COP30 summit in Brazil. Somalia is among the signatories to the COP28 pledge to triple its renewable power output and double energy efficiency by 2030.
Interestingly, while Somalia’s energy emissions remain among the lowest globally, the report emphasizes that the nation has a significant opportunity to contribute to regional climate resilience. By leapfrogging into a clean energy economy, Somalia can carve a unique path forward.
“Somalia has no legacy infrastructure to dismantle,” remarks Francesco La Camera, IRENA’s Director-General. “That gives it a unique opportunity to build a low-carbon, inclusive energy system from the ground up.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
This version enhances the original content, weaving in an approachable yet professional tone, engaging anecdotes, and varied sentence structures to create a more enriched reading experience.
