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Entura to support Timor-Leste lower electricity costs with hybrid solar solution

August 10, 2022

Entura has been appointed to support Timor-Leste’s local electricity utility (ETDL, E.P.) reduce the country’s reliance on diesel fuel by adding solar into the energy mix. The transition to low-cost solar is expected to drive down electricity prices and improve environmental outcomes.

Our Specialist Renewable Energy Engineer Chris Blanksby and Specialist Electrical Engineer Ranjith Perera recently travelled to the country to carry out site investigations, marking Entura’s return to international, onsite work.

While there, they visited three potential sites for the nation’s first solar development, as well as three substations, the national dispatch centre, and the main power station.

“We were trying to gather as much information as we could about the site options and the network,” explained Chris.

“The first objective was to narrow down the options and identify the optimal site for the solar farm,” he said. “We’re at rapidly progressing and have issued our preliminary site selection report.”

A number of factors were considered in the site selection, including the solar resource and grid connection opportunities at each site, the challenging local topography and geology, the potential impacts of extreme weather or earthquakes, and accessibility for construction.

The next step is a full feasibility study, which will also consider grid stability and energy storage options. Entura will then support the tendering process by providing technical specifications for procurement.

The hybrid solar development, supported by the Asian Development Bank, is set to be operational by 2025.

“It was great to get back onsite and be able to work face-to-face with our international clients,” said Chris. “We look forward to continuing our work with EDTL, E.P. and supporting Timor-Leste to achieve cleaner, more cost-effective renewable energy generation.”

Entura is a leading consultant in renewables development in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in hybrid renewable systems. Our services have been instrumental to the success of other hybrid renewable energy systems in Yap, the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Flinders Island and Western Australia.