DILI, 07 April 2025 (TATOLI) – A five-day technical training focusing on hybrid renewable energy systems, grid integration, and advanced energy management kicked off today in Dili, Timor-Leste. This training brings together 27 energy professionals from across the Pacific, including participants from Samoa, and Vanuatu, to advance their technical skills and knowledge in integrating sustainable energy solutions into national grids.
This training is being carried out under the Pacific Green Transformation Project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The rising sea levels pose an existential threat to the residents of the Pacific islands. To limit global warming to no more than 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 to reach net zero by 2050. The Pacific Green Transformation Project is helping communities in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu access to renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and create sustainable, green solutions for future generations.
Katyna Argueta, UNDP Timor-Leste Resident Representative emphasize the importance of the cooperation between countries to achieve a greener, sustainable future, stating that “Energy crisis significantly affects small island nations, often exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. To strength economies, reduce social inequalities, and decrease vulnerability to climate change, requires a combination of local solutions, international support, and long-term sustainable energy policies”
The training covered key technical topics essential to addressing the unique energy challenges faced by island nations. Participants gained knowledge on integrating renewable energy sources into national grids while ensuring grid stability and reliability, with a focus on hybrid systems that combine solar, wind, and battery energy storage. The sessions also covered advanced methods for forecasting energy demand and supply, optimizing load balancing, and implementing utility-interactive battery energy storage systems (BESS). Participants learned to use energy data for decision-making and explored regulatory frameworks and fair tariff design to attract greater investment in clean energy. The training concluded with a focus on the socio-economic and gender impacts of renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of inclusive energy access and the potential for renewable technologies to benefit rural communities and promote gender equity.
The first day of the session counted with the participation of key partners including SAKAI Yuki, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Japan to Timor-Leste, Katyna Argueta, Resident Representative of UNDP Timor-Leste, Samuel Marçal, the Minister of Public Works, and Marito Ferreira, Chairman of the Board of EDTL E.P., illustrating the profound commitment of key institution and partners of Timor-Leste in advancing sustainable future through regional cooperation.
SAKAI Yuki, Deputy Head of Mission of Embassy of Japan to Timor-Leste, expressed, “As you are aware, the nationwide introduction of renewable energy has already begun. At the same time, it is crucial to develop a common strategy by reviewing our achievements and challenges and considering necessary steps forward in the energy sector. I hope this workshop will equip you with advanced knowledge and skills, and also hope that you will leverage the experience and networks you will gain here to advance renewable energy in Timor-Leste and the Pacific.”
In his opening remark, Samuel Marçal, Minister of Public Works expressed his gratitude stating that, “ I would like to kindly ask all colleagues who are participating in this training to remain committed and focused, so that they can learn something valuable during these five days. At the very least, I hope you will gain some essential knowledge that you can later share with other colleagues, possibly in the municipalities. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan and UNDP for their joint efforts and dedication in supporting our people in this country.”
In addition to fostering knowledge exchange, this training aims to support regional collaboration, which is critical for advancing renewable energy solutions in the Pacific region. According to Aurora Teresa Nunes de Carvalho Magno is a technician in the regulation of the electricity sector, working at the National Directorate for Electricity Regulation, under the General Directorate for the Regulation of Electricity, Water, and Sanitation, Ministry of Public Works Timor Leste.
“During this training, I was able to further strengthen my technical capacity, with a particular emphasis on solar energy. This area is especially important for us, as it supports the work of our institution, particularly in relation to the ongoing drafting of the decree-law on renewable energy.”
Pinefaamauolauga Leleimalefaga, representing Samoa’s Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, under the Energy Policy Management Coordination Division, expressed her enthusiasm about participating in the training.
“I am very excited to be here and to learn from these renewable energy experts, so I can take this valuable knowledge back home and contribute to improving Samoa’s renewable energy integration within our national electricity utility,” she said.
Leleimalefaga highlighted that the training focused on the technical integration of renewable energy into green systems, particularly emphasizing solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.
“One of the first things we explored was the standards we apply and how to assess the quality of our inputs. In Samoa, solar energy is the most widely used form of renewable energy, so this training is especially relevant. Solar is a key solution for enhancing the reliability of our electricity supply,” she added.
On the other hand, Gary Erick from Vanuatu, who serves as the Principal Scientific Officer at the Department of Energy under the Ministry of Climate Change, shared his perspective on the training. He stated that, “While our national government is focused on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems, this workshop has been particularly helpful in deepening our understanding of how to integrate renewable energy into the national grid. The knowledge gained here will support us in advancing our national goals of shifting towards a more sustainable, renewable energy future.”
Through this training, the participants reinforced their commitment to building technical capacity in renewable energy, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing clean energy goals. The event provided a platform for sharing best practices, addressing common challenges, and developing concrete solutions that will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy across the Pacific region.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
