The landmark project includes drafting and negotiating a power purchase agreement (PPA) and an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Finance, marking a significant step in Timor-Leste's transition to renewable energy and modernising its electricity infrastructure.
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.
Why should Timor-Leste invest in solar & storage infrastructure?
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.
The overall objective of this project is to develop, for the Government of East Timor, the Electrification Masterplan 2025 of East Timor based on Renewables Energies. The East Timor Renewable Energy Electrification Plan consists on the thorough analysis of wind, solar and hydro resources (including wind measurement stations installation).
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.
Why did DLA Piper advise Eletricidade de Timor-Leste on a PPA?
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.
Currently, Timor-Leste relies almost entirely on imported diesel fuel for its power generation, which poses significant challenges in terms of fiscal burden and greenhouse gas emissions.