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.

Does Eritrea have a energy sector?

The Government of Eritrea gave priority status to the energy sector immediately after the country's independence in May 1991, as manifested by the rapid improvement in electricity and oil supplies. Electricity generation capacity has increased from a total of 30 MW in 1991 to over 130 MW at present.

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.

Will Eritrea become the largest solar zone in the world?

When completed it will become the largest solar zone in the world. Financing Approval date 1 March 2023 Project name: Dekemhare 30-megawatt photovoltaic solar power plant project in Eritrea.