JIVO Energy Adds 1.2 MWp Solar Capacity To Reduce Load-Shedding In São Tomé

JIVO Energy has completed the construction of the Santo Amaro Solar Power Plant in São Tomé, marking an important development for the island’s energy sector. The company successfully handled the engineering, procurement, and construction of a 1.2 MWp grid-connected solar PV plant in São Tomé and Príncipe. The project was financed by the African Development Bank and implemented through the Energy Transition and Institutional Support Programme on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment. The plant was commissioned in May and will now have three years of operations and maintenance services provided to ensure stable performance.

This project comes at a crucial time for São Tomé, where the electricity system depends heavily on diesel generators. The available operational capacity is currently lower than the island’s peak demand, resulting in frequent load-shedding to manage supply shortages. Adding 1.2 MWp of solar power to the grid offers much-needed support and reduces pressure on the existing diesel-based system. The new solar plant is expected to help stabilise the electricity supply, lower fuel dependence, and improve energy reliability for residents. It also represents a significant step forward in the island’s energy transition efforts, supporting long-term sustainability goals while strengthening the overall power infrastructure.