Timor-Leste home emergency energy storage

José added: “The investment in Timor-Leste's solar and storage infrastructure is transformative. It will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving grid stability and energy access across the country”. José de Ponte was supported by special counsel Marnie Calli, senior associate Lisa Huynh and solicitor Jeraldine Mow.

Access to energy remains a concerning challenge for many in Timor-Leste. The centralised nature of the local electricity supply chain has traditionally kept consumers reliant on the national grid to overcome chronic energy shortages.

"In Timor-Leste, our road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development starts at home. Our solar energy system can be a model for other UN Country Offices to show how we can jointly, sustainably and effectively tackle greenhouse emissions while reducing operational costs, and scale up support across the United Nations System.

Caption: It took almost a year – from feasibility to completion – to see the solar panel installed at the UN Timor-Leste compound. A powerful 300 kWp photovoltaic system is producing 400,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, filling critical gaps in energy supply.

The Operations Management Team started weighing the feasibility and working on a cost-efficient alternative energy solution in 2016-2017 when Timor-Leste was facing high electricity costs and increased CO2 emissions. "In Timor-Leste, our road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development starts at home.

Project's partner in DLA Piper's Finance practice José de Ponte commented: “Timor-Leste has long relied on diesel fuel to power its grid, placing a significant financial burden on the state and end users.