EDTL Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Signing of Solar Energy Project Contract and Launch of Online Payment Platform

Electricidade de Timor-Leste, Empresa Pública (EDTL, EP), celebrated its 5th anniversary on July 22nd, 2025, in Dili, with a ceremony marked by the signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the construction of a solar photovoltaic power plant in Laleia, in the municipality of Manatuto, and the launch of the new online platform for energy transactions, developed in partnership with ETO, BNCTL, Telkomcel, and Telemor.
Held in the OKA hall, the ceremony was attended by Vice Prime-Minister and Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino, who thanked all EDTL employees for their dedication and daily commitment to ensuring that electricity reaches all Timorese homes continuously and safely. On behalf of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, he congratulated the workers for their “daily efforts which, despite the difficulties and risks, continue with patience and dedication, with the support of their families, to serve the Timorese people well.” He also emphasized that Timor-Leste has “abundant energy sources, such as wind, water, and sunlight, which must be used sustainably to preserve the environment and ensure the development of future generations.”
The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, said that the new photovoltaic solar energy project “will bring significant benefits to Timor-Leste, contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection” and assured that priority will be given to the involvement of Timorese human resources in its implementation.
The Chairman of the Executive Committee of EDTL, Paulo da Silva, said that this anniversary represents “a moment of collective pride, the result of joint efforts, hard work, dedication, and creativity.”
Among the main advances, he highlighted the modernization of substations and the improvement of the distribution network in the capital and municipalities, the increase in the national electrification rate—which has already reached all national districts, with 136 villages remaining that will have electricity installed by the end of 2026— the installation of more than 150,000 prepaid meters, and the progressive growth of annual revenues, which rose from $34 million in 2021 to $58 million in 2024, with an expected $65 million by the end of 2025. Paulo da Silva also highlighted the completion of the pre-feasibility study for the wind energy project and the feasibility study for the conversion of diesel generators to gas.
During the ceremony, the vice Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Works, and the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, presented certificates of recognition to EDTL departments in honor of their employees' contribution to strengthening the national electricity sector. END