As Somaliland positions itself for a future of economic growth, the question of how much energy the country currently produces—and how it could power the needs of its nearly 4 million people—is more pressing than ever.
Current Energy Production: A Fraction of the Need
Somaliland’s current electricity production is limited, decentralized, and heavily reliant on imported diesel fuel. Estimates vary, but the total installed capacity across Somaliland hovers around 60 to 80 megawatts (MW) —a tiny fraction of what the population actually needs. To put this into perspective, experts use a rough rule of thumb: 1 million people need about 1,000 MW of electricity. By that measure, Somaliland’s 4 million people would require about 4,000 MW—meaning the country currently meets less than 2% of its potential demand.
The electricity that is available is often unreliable and expensive. Most power comes from small-scale, privately owned diesel generators that operate in isolation. These systems are not only environmentally damaging but also economically unsustainable.
Turning to Solar and Wind: A Natural Advantage
Somaliland, blessed with abundant sunlight and significant wind potential, has the natural ingredients to develop a sustainable energy sector based on renewables.
Solar Energy: With an average of over 300 sunny days a year, Somaliland lies in one of the most solar-rich regions on Earth. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are well-suited to both urban centers and remote rural areas.
Wind Energy: Wind speeds in parts of Somaliland, especially in coastal and elevated areas, are favorable for wind turbines, with potential generation capacity exceeding 400 MW in targeted regions, according to some energy assessments.
Both energy sources offer major benefits: low operational costs, zero emissions, and energy independence.
Obstacles to Overcome
However, the transition to renewable energy faces significant hurdles:
1. High Initial Investment
Installing solar panels or wind turbines requires substantial up-front capital. A utility-scale solar power plant (1 MW) can cost between $600,000 to $1 million, while wind turbines cost more per unit of capacity and require complex infrastructure such as towers and grid connections.
Somaliland, which lacks international recognition, faces limited access to global financing and development loans, making these investments difficult to fund without private partnerships or donor support.
2. Lack of National Grid
A major barrier is the absence of a unified national grid. Most electricity is generated and consumed locally. While solar and wind can be deployed as standalone or mini-grid systems, large-scale deployment would be far more efficient with a connected, managed grid.
3. Technical Skills and Maintenance
Renewable energy systems require skilled installation and regular maintenance. Somaliland faces a shortage of trained engineers and technicians, leading to dependence on foreign expertise and higher operational risks.
4. Policy and Regulation
Without a clear national energy policy, incentives for private investment in renewables remain weak. Licensing, land access, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks must be established or improved to attract serious investors.
A Path Forward
Despite these challenges, the long-term case for renewable energy in Somaliland is strong. Once installed, solar and wind systems have minimal running costs and offer a stable, clean source of power for decades. Moreover, transitioning to renewables can boost job creation, reduce pollution, and strengthen energy security.
Small pilot projects already underway—such as solar microgrids in rural communities and hybrid solar-diesel systems in urban areas—show promising results. If scaled up, and paired with smart investments in storage and grid infrastructure, these could be the seeds of a national transformation.
Conclusion
With a population projected to grow and electricity demand expected to rise steeply, Somaliland must act now to bridge the energy gap. The sun and the wind are free—but making them work for Somaliland will require political will, strategic investment, and long-term vision.
By: Abdirahman Ibrahim
