Why does Djibouti need a strong energy network?

As Djibouti continues to expand its transport infrastructure and further positions itself as a trading centre in the Horn of Africa, the demand for a robust energy network is increasing. Djibouti has long relied on trade to supply a significant part of its energy needs due to its lack of hydrocarbons reserves.

Does Djibouti have solar energy?

Djibouti has significant solar energy potential, with an estimated average daily global horizontal irradiance of 4.5 to 7.3 KWh per sq metre across its territory. The construction of the first large-scale solar generation project began in November 2022 in the Gran Bara Desert, which is located in the country’s southern region.

Can Djibouti produce geothermal energy from urban waste?

To this end, US-based CR Energy Concepts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, launched a project in 2019 to produce 35 MWh of baseload electricity from urban waste. Exploration of Djibouti’s geothermal potential began in the 1970s, but progress in subsequent decades was slow.

What is a power purchase agreement (PPA) in Djibouti?

Amea Power has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 25 MW solar-plus-storage project in Djibouti. It will be the country’s first independent power producer (IPP) project and is now in development under a build-own-operate and transfer (BOOT) framework.

How does Djibouti produce electricity?

This is mostly supplied by thermal power plants that utilise oil and diesel as fuel. The two primary plants in Djibouti City have a combined generation capacity of roughly 122 MW, with two smaller plants located in Obock and Tadjoura.

How much electricity does Djibouti produce in 2021?

Djibouti produced 654,062 MWh of electricity in 2021, according to figures from the Central Bank of Djibouti, representing a 4.3% increase relative to 2020. Improving domestic energy production will require the government to direct private investment towards electricity generation.