In brief
- On 31 October 2019, Somaliland Chronicle reported that President Muse Bihi Abdi inaugurated a new solar power plant by Sompower, the largest electricity producer in Somaliland.
- The Presidency said the plant would produce 20 MW and supply 80% of Hargeisa's electricity, at a cost of $20 million.
- No subsequent evidence confirms the plant's actual output, current ownership, or any impact on electricity tariffs.
On 31 October 2019, Somaliland Chronicle reported that the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, inaugurated a new solar power plant by Sompower, the largest electricity producer and supplier in Somaliland.
The ceremony, attended by government officials and the heads of opposition parties UCID and Waddani, marked a significant step in the country's energy sector. According to a statement from the Presidency cited by the publication, the new solar plant would produce 20 Megawatt and could supply eighty percent of electricity to Hargeisa. The price tag of the solar power farm was stated at 20 million US dollars, described as the largest investment by a local company in Somaliland.
Sompower, reportedly a result of the coalescence of many independent electric suppliers, holds Dahabshiil Group as its majority stakeholder, according to the report.
During his speech, President Bihi congratulated Sompower for its investment and spoke of his government's effort to encourage the free market. He encouraged other companies to pool financial resources for important infrastructure projects. Notably, no potential price reduction was announced at the event, although the report suggested the new plant would have a major impact on electricity rates in Hargeisa.
Beyond the inauguration ceremony, the report does not confirm operational status. No metered output data, tariff changes, or updated ownership details have been published since that date. The claim of 20 MW capacity and 80% supply remains attributed to the Presidency statement as cited by Somaliland Chronicle, and the $20 million price tag is an official claim, not an independently verified project cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the installed capacity of the solar plant?
The Presidency stated the plant would produce 20 Megawatt, according to Somaliland Chronicle. Operational output has not been confirmed.
Who was the contractor or developer?
Sompower, described as the largest electricity producer in Somaliland, developed the plant. Dahabshiil Group is reported as the majority stakeholder.
How much did the project cost?
The Presidency cited a price tag of 20 million US dollars for the solar power farm.
What is the expected output and coverage?
The Presidency said the plant could supply eighty percent of electricity to Hargeisa. Actual supply levels have not been verified.
Sources
Photo: European Space Agency, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo, via Wikimedia Commons
