The Project involves the construction and 25-year operation of a new power plant in Manatuto, Timor-Leste, comprising a 72 MW solar power plant co-located with a 36 MW/36 MWh battery energy storage system.
What is the Timor-Leste solar power project?
The Project involves the construction and 25-year operation of a new power plant in Manatuto, Timor-Leste, comprising a 72 MW solar power plant co-located with a 36 MW/36 MWh battery energy storage system. This will be the country's first full-scale renewable energy IPP project.
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.
DLA Piper advised Eletricidade de Timor-Leste on a PPA to develop Timor-Leste's first solar PV power plant and battery energy storage system.
Who bids for solar IPP project in Timor-Leste?
For Timor-Leste, bidders are typically from legacy countries such as Indonesia, Portugal and People's Republic of China. For the Solar IPP project, Government of Timor-Leste represented by the Ministry of Finance has provided backstop guarantee for EDTL obligations under the Implementation Agreement.
Does Timor-Leste rely on diesel fuel?
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.
For the Solar IPP project, Government of Timor-Leste represented by the Ministry of Finance has provided backstop guarantee for EDTL obligations under the Implementation Agreement. Special Investment Agreement, if concluded could allow the winning bidder a leasing of the Site at a concessional rate and other benefits.