Eritrea - The Integrated Solar Energy Project — Eritrea

Overview

The Integrated Solar Energy Project in Eritrea – Teseney, Kerkebet and Barentu – aims to expand access to clean and reliable electricity in the Gash Barka region through the development of 34 MW of solar photovoltaic mini-grids with battery energy storage systems (BESS). The total project cost is UA 43.31 million, financed by the African Development Fund under FAD-16 with UA 27 million from the Performance-Based Allocation and UA 15 million from the Transition Support Facility, complemented by a government in-kind contribution of UA 1.31 million, with no confirmed external co-financiers at appraisal stage. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and aligns with Eritrea’s National Energy Policy (2018), the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024–2033, the High 5 priorities “Light up and Power Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa,” Mission 300, and SDGs 7, 8, 9 and 13. By reducing dependence on imported diesel and deploying climate-resilient renewable infrastructure, the project strengthens energy security, supports green growth and contributes to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.