DLA Piper advises Eletricidade de Timor-Leste on a power purchase agreement for the delivery of Timor-Leste’s first solar plant and battery storage system

Global law firm DLA Piper, as part of an advisory team led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has advised Eletricidade de Timor-Leste (EDTL) on a power purchase agreement with a consortium comprised of Électricité de France and Itochu for the development of Timor-Leste’s first utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant and battery energy storage system (BESS), with a combined capacity of 100MW.

The landmark project includes drafting and negotiating a power purchase agreement (PPA) and an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Finance, marking a significant step in Timor-Leste’s transition to renewable energy and modernising its electricity infrastructure.

Project's partner in DLA Piper’s Finance practice José de Ponte commented: “Timor-Leste has long relied on diesel fuel to power its grid, placing a significant financial burden on the state and end users. This project represents Timor-Leste’s first step toward a renewable energy future, modernising the electricity sector while improving reliability and reducing costs nationwide”.

The regulatory landscape around renewable energy in Timor Leste is still emerging. In advising on this project DLA Piper, in collaboration with the ADB and local law firm Da Silva Teixeira, is helping to build EDTL’s institutional expertise and capability to procure complex infrastructure projects in accordance with international best practices.  

José added: “The investment in Timor-Leste’s solar and storage infrastructure is transformative. It will help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving grid stability and energy access across the country”.

José de Ponte was supported by special counsel Marnie Calli, senior associate Lisa Huynh and solicitor Jeraldine Mow.