Government of Timor-Leste

The IX Government, through the Ministry of Public Works and the public enterprise Eletricidade de Timor-Leste (EDTL, EP), have implemented structural measures to modernize the national energy infrastructure in order to achieve a stable and efficient supply of electricity to the population. 

 Since the beginning of the IX Constitutional Government's mandate, on July 1, 2023, significant progress has been made in expanding the national electricity grid.    The National Electrification Program has made it possible to achieve 99.7% electricity coverage throughout the country by December 2024, with the electrification of 38 villages and 174 sub-villages by 2024, to the benefit of 9,405 households.   Electrification throughout the country is expected to be completed within the next three months, consolidating a historic mark for the country. 

 Another priority has been to strengthen and modernize energy infrastructure. In addition to the rehabilitation, maintenance and improvement of distribution lines, the construction of a new substation in Comoro, Dili, stands out.   This is a strategic investment of around 22 million dollars, scheduled for completion in January 2026, which aims to balance the distribution of electricity in the city of Dili and strengthen the response capacity of the national electricity system.   This infrastructure will play an important role in the stability of the electricity supply and will act as an alternative supply during maintenance operations or in the event of failures at the Camea-Pecora substation, which currently supplies Dili, Ermera and Aileu. 

The project was launched by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on January 9, 2025, and will contribute to the stability of the electricity supply and guarantee quality energy for homes, public institutions and economic activities. 

At its meeting yesterday, February 12, 2025, the Council of Ministers decided to authorize expenditure on the subsidy contract for the transfer of a provision from the General State Budget (OGE), in the Ministry of Public Works' “802 Electricity” Program, to EDTL, EP, for a total amount of 166.5 million US dollars.   This funding will make it possible to ensure the implementation of EDTL's 2025 strategic plan, which includes investments in infrastructure, improving the quality of energy distribution and expanding access to electricity in remote communities. 

By 2025, EDTL's plan includes the construction of new infrastructure, including the expansion of the public lighting network, the modernization of distribution lines in the capital and municipalities, and the digitalization of energy management systems.   Renewable energy projects also stand out, such as the construction of a 72 to 85 MW photovoltaic solar plant in Laleia, Manatuto, and a solar park in Atauro with a capacity of 2 MW, thus reinforcing the commitment to diversifying the country's energy matrix. 

In addition to investment in the national electricity grid, a comprehensive infrastructure investment plan has been implemented, which includes the modernization and expansion of the road, electricity and water supply networks, as well as strengthening protection against natural disasters. One of the main focuses of this investment has been the implementation of measures to mitigate floods and other natural disasters, through the construction of drainage systems, the reinforcement of river banks and the installation of containment structures to protect the most vulnerable communities This effort aims not only to improve connectivity and national resilience, but also to promote sustainable development and create favourable conditions for economic growth and improving the population's quality of life.