What are the benefits of solar energy in Eritrea?

The government of Eritrea has been making efforts to promote the use of alternative sources of energy, especially solar energy, to mitigate the problems associated with the use of fossil fuel. A major benefit of solar energy is that it does not pollute the environment and saves money in the long run even if its installation cost is quite high.

Does Eritrea have solar power?

Eritrea’s weather, characterized by long sunny days throughout the year, makes it suitable for harnessing solar power. Data from the wind and solar monitoring stations installed in many parts of Eritrea show that the country has a great potential, around 6 kwh/m2 of solar energy.

What is Eritrea's main source of energy?

Eritrea’s major source of energy is petroleum, which drains the foreign currency reserves of the country and is globally a major cause of pollution. The government of Eritrea has been making efforts to promote the use of alternative sources of energy, especially solar energy, to mitigate the problems associated with the use of fossil fuel.

Where is Eritrea's first solar plant?

The government of Eritrea has received a $49.92 million grant from the African Development Bank to fund a 30 MW photovoltaic plant in the town of Dekemhare, 40 km southeast of the capital Asmara. It will be the country's first large-scale solar plant.

How many solar powered streetlights are there in Asmara?

As part of its efforts to promote the use of alternative sources of energy, the MEM built in April 2018 a photovoltaic plant east of Asmara. The plant generates an average of 11- thousand kilowatt hours of electricity per day. Moreover, in Asmara, more than 400 solar powered streetlights, covering a distance of 13 kilometers, have been installed.