Why is Timor-Leste becoming an independent country?

Timor-Leste, in Southeast Asia, emerged from decades of conflict in the late 20th century to become an independent nation in 2002. A key focus for the new nation has been to improve energy access via the rapid roll-out of an electricity network.

Why did Timor-Leste lose electricity?

Most of the energy infrastructure that existed when Timor-Leste was part of Indonesia was destroyed during the violent outbreaks of 1999. At the time of independence in 2002, electricity access was estimated to be just 24 % of the population .

Does geopolitics influence Timor-Leste's energy reconstruction?

Totalling 280 MW, the national generation capacity is much greater than the current national peak load of 70 MW. It was commented that the two largest power stations were second-hand generators installed through a partnership with China, highlighting the influence of geopolitics in Timor-Leste's energy reconstruction. Fig. 4.

Does Timor-Leste have a high electricity access rate?

In rural areas, electricity access rates have reportedly increased from 7.7 % in 2002 to 100 % in 2021, despite the country's mountainous terrain and dispersed population. Fig. 2. Timor-Leste electrification trends 2001–2021. Timor-Leste's electricity access percentage recorded a dip in 2010, coinciding with a national census.

How many people in the Pacific and Timor-Leste do not have electricity?

Significant progress has been made to increase electricity access across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. However, there are still around 3.7 million people in the region, including a disproportionate number of women, who do not have a reliable and affordable source of energy.

Is there a market for roof-top solar energy systems in Timor-Leste?

Australia's Market Development Facility (MDF) and ITP Renewables conducted an assessment of the potential market for roof-top solar energy systems in Timor-Leste.