Dili, July 23, 2026 (Lusa) - The prime minister of Timor-Leste on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Laleia Solar Photovoltaic Project, one of the largest private investments in the country, which will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
«We need to diversify our energy sources and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. That is why the Laleia Solar Photovoltaic Project is also extremely important,» said Xanana Gusmão at the ceremony.
The project, which is expected to take 24 months to build, will have a solar generation capacity of 72 megawatts, with a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 36 megawatt-hours.
«It will supply more electricity to the national grid and help diversify the way Timor-Leste produces energy. This is particularly important because we are living in a period of international uncertainty,» emphasised Xanana Gusmão.
«Timor-Leste cannot control international fuel prices. It cannot control disruptions in global energy supply chains. But it can take steps to reduce our vulnerability. By developing solar power with battery storage, we will make our electricity system more diversified and more resilient,» continued the prime minister.
According to Xanana Gusmão, the solar power project is expected to reduce annual fuel costs in Timor-Leste by around $25 to $30 million.
«This will allow us to allocate more resources to support healthcare, education, infrastructure and other national priorities,» he said.
The project will be implemented under an Independent Power Producer model by Manatuto Renewable Power, a joint venture established by Japan's ITOCHU and France's EDF.
«The private sector will finance, build, operate and maintain this power station. The electricity will be supplied to EDTL [Eletricidade de Timor-Leste]. This represents an investment of approximately $107 million. It is one of the largest investments ever made in Timor-Leste,» explained Xanana Gusmão.
The prime minister emphasised that the Government welcomes foreign investment that creates jobs, transfers skills and brings benefits to the population.
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