Distribution of energy storage battery usage in Somalia

Solar Energy: Somalia has high renewable energy potential. Solar power could generate an excess of 2,000 kWh if the country reached its full capacity. Recently there has been progress in developing solar energy systems in the country by private sector electricity companies.

Private Somali companies generate approximately 128MW; most companies generate and distribute electricity independently. The Federal Government of Somalia has recently introduced electricity-related standards and regulations to improve safety and service delivery. A recently passed electricity bill (2023) has not yet been implemented.

Somalia's capacity to generate and transmit power is largely weak and ineffective. As of 2020, the total estimated installed capacity in the major load centers of the country was about 138 MW which is inadequate to serve current and future demand.

This study explores Somalia's energy profile and the potential for harnessing solar energy. The installed photovoltaic capacity was found to be 41 MW and contributed 11.9% of the total electricity generation. A case study on a solar power microgrid system in Bacadweyene, Somalia, is also presented.

The simulation results using PVGIS revealed that the solar PV installation in Somalia produced two-fold the energy amount compared to PVs installed in Germany. Hence, RE, such as solar energy, can reduce electricity costs and the negative environmental impacts .

Somalia's energy sector is considered promising for growth and investment. Small and medium-sized private sector companies are the main providers of electricity generation and distribution, primarily running diesel powered systems through off-grid networks.