Hargeisa, Somaliland (Horn post)) — Somaliland’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed a major contract for the expansion of electricity infrastructure in the port city of Berbera, awarding the project to Chinese contractor SINOSOAR as part of broader efforts to improve access to reliable and affordable power.
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Hargeisa, attended by senior government officials including Energy and Minerals Minister Ahmed Jama Barre, Director General Shuayb Osman Mahmoud, and Mohamed Mahmoud Abdi Malow, alongside representatives of the implementing agencies and project stakeholders.
The project, previously inaugurated by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, includes the construction of a 12-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic power plant, supported by a 36 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), as well as the installation of a 13.5-kilometer transmission line.
Funded by the World Bank under the Somaliland Energy Sector Recovery Project (SESRP), the initiative aims to deliver lower-cost, reliable, and environmentally sustainable electricity to residents and businesses in Berbera.
Officials said the project is expected to significantly improve energy access in the strategic port city, reduce reliance on expensive diesel-generated power, and support economic growth by attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
During the signing ceremony, ministry leaders urged the contractor to adhere to quality standards and complete the project within the agreed timeline to ensure timely delivery of benefits to the public.
In response, SINOSOAR representatives pledged to meet project specifications and deadlines, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a modern energy system that aligns with Somaliland’s clean energy goals.
The Berbera power expansion is seen as a key component of Somaliland’s long-term strategy to transition toward renewable energy sources, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and accelerate socio-economic development in one of its most economically vital cities.
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Prepared by: Horn Post Staff
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