Where is Eritrea's first solar plant?

The government of Eritrea has received a $49.92 million grant from the African Development Bank to fund a 30 MW photovoltaic plant in the town of Dekemhare, 40 km southeast of the capital Asmara. It will be the country's first large-scale solar plant.

Who is responsible for electricity supply in Eritrea?

The Government of Eritrea is the beneficiary of the grant, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines is responsible for its implementation. Eritrea experiences inadequate, unreliable, expensive and polluting electricity supply. The available capacity is 35 MW for a peak demand of about 70 MW.

What is Eritrea's national energy policy?

Prospective consultants have until Feb. 23 to submit their proposals. The Eritrea National Energy Policy, which was issued in 2018, aims to increase the electrification rate across the country. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Eritrea had just 24 MW of installed PV capacity at the end of 2021.

How will the grant help the Eritrean power sector?

Part of the grant will also be allocated to technical assistance and capacity building to improve the operational performance of the grid and ensure the sustainability of the results achieved and the overall development of the Eritrean power sector.

What is the African Development Fund (ADF) doing in Eritrea?

The African Development Fund (ADF) is helping Eritrea's government to develop a 30 MW solar plant in Dekemhare, in the central part of the African country. The ADF is currently seeking consultants for the project through a tender. The project will includ3 an unspecified amount of battery storage and a 66 kV transmission line.