# UK-funded ESRES project aims to cut Somaliland electricity costs

> Somaliland Standard reported on 2019-04-29 that the UK-funded Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES) programme launched its second…

- By: Editorial Team, Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com/about)
- Published: 30 September 2026
- Format: News story (reported from one named public source)
- Publication: Somali Construction Review (https://somaliconstructionreview.com)
- Subject: Infrastructure and Services
- Tags: utilities, electrical-work
- Web version: https://somaliconstructionreview.com/blog/uk-funded-esres-electricity-costs-somaliland

## Key points

- On 29 April 2019, Somaliland Standard reported that the UK-funded Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES) programme launched its second phase in Hargeisa.
- The second phase, running from September 2018 to 2021 according to the UK embassy, aims to expand renewable energy investment through hybrid mini-grids and a cost-sharing arrangement with local providers.
- The report does not establish any progress or outcomes since that date; phase-one achievements such as six mini-grids, a 43% tariff reduction, and 10,274 connections are UK embassy claims.

On 29 April 2019, Somaliland Standard reported that the UK-funded Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES) programme had launched its second phase in Hargeisa. The newspaper said the programme aims to reduce electricity costs and increase access to electricity across Somaliland, with electricity consumers expected to "enjoy lower electricity charges".

ESRES is implemented in partnership with Somaliland's Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM), according to a UK embassy statement cited by the newspaper. The UK embassy in Mogadishu said the programme "will address the high cost of electricity which is an impediment to growth".

The second phase of ESRES runs from September 2018 to 2021, the UK embassy told the newspaper, and will expand investment in renewable energy through the Somaliland Renewable Energy Fund (SREF). It will be based on partnership with local energy service providers to develop hybrid mini-grids through a cost-sharing arrangement.

Somaliland's Director of Energy, Eng. Liban Mohamed, said the event was "crucial for the Somaliland Renewable Energy Fund under the ESRES Programme", adding that it would encourage sharing of ideas and coordination of efforts.

## Phase one claims

Under phase one of ESRES, which ran from September 2015 to August 2018, the UK embassy stated that six hybrid mini-grids providing clean energy were installed across Somaliland. The embassy also said energy tariffs were reduced by 43% on average and 10,274 new connections were made. Carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 2,900 tonnes annually, and the programme supported the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to develop policy and regulatory frameworks. These figures are UK embassy claims as reported by Somaliland Standard; the newspaper did not independently verify them.

## Context and what is not established

The newspaper reported that across Somalia and Somaliland, electricity is largely generated through diesel generators and is ranked among the most expensive globally, with a kilowatt unit going for up to $1. It cited a World Bank estimate that electricity access in Somalia including Somaliland is 15%, meaning around 11 million Somalis lack access to electricity services. The newspaper did not give a year for that estimate.

Phil Evans, head of the UK's overseas aid department in Somalia (DFID), said the biggest beneficiary of the new phase would be the people of Somaliland, who "will now pay significantly less for their electricity".

The report does not state the total cost of the project or the amount of UK funding. It does not specify the exact launch date of the second phase event. Most importantly, the 2019 article provides no information on what happened after that date. No post-launch progress, outcomes, or completion of phase two are established by the source.

> **Note:** The 2019-04-29 report contains no information on ESRES activities after that date. Claims of future cost reductions or programme benefits are forward-looking statements from officials, not verified outcomes.

## Questions

### What is the scope of the ESRES energy project in Somaliland?

ESRES aims to increase access to electricity and boost economic growth in Somaliland. Its second phase, running from September 2018 to 2021, will expand investment in renewable energy through the Somaliland Renewable Energy Fund and develop hybrid mini-grids with local energy service providers under a cost-sharing arrangement.

### Who is implementing the ESRES project?

ESRES is implemented in partnership with Somaliland's Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MoEM), according to a UK embassy statement cited by Somaliland Standard.

### How much will electricity costs decrease under ESRES?

Under phase one, the UK embassy claimed energy tariffs were reduced by 43% on average. For phase two, Phil Evans of DFID said people would "pay significantly less for their electricity", but no specific reduction figure is given.

## Sources

- [UK funded energy project to cut electricity costs in Somaliland](https://somalilandstandard.com/uk-funded-energy-project-to-cut-electricity-costs-in-somaliland/) — Somaliland Standard, 2019-04-29