Powering change: exchanging knowledge & building connections beyond borders

Timor-Leste is working toward generating 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, with new solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects underway in Manatuto, Atauro and other remote areas. 

To support this transition, four government officials from Eletricidade de Timor Leste (EDTL) are participating in a three-month internship with the Northern Territory Government’s (NTG) Department of Mining and Energy (DME) in Darwin from September to December 2025. Selected through a rigorous process collectively led by Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) and the Northern Territory Government, Edusinda Sandra Pereira Sanches, Francisco Soares Pica, Constantino Pires Pereira, and Ester de Assuncao Soares Belo are receiving hands-on training and exposure to the processes involved in planning, delivering and maintaining renewable energy infrastructure. 

Funding from the Australia-ASEAN Council and P4I enables this internship, which complements Australia’s broader energy engagement in Timor-Leste, including support for the Atauro Island solar farm under the PROSIVU program. The initiative is supported by the Northern Territory Government and the Government of Timor-Leste Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023–2027, which establishes a new framework for bilateral cooperation and strengthens the relationship between the two governments. The initiative is also aligned with Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which highlights opportunities for regional cooperation and clean energy investment. The internship also coincides with an important regional milestone as Timor-Leste was officially admitted as the 11^th member of ASEAN in October 2025, the first ever expansion of ASEAN since 1999.  

An immersive learning journey 

This internship builds on the ongoing partnership between the Northern Territory Government and the Government of Timor-Leste, drawing on a series of collaborative milestones, including a P4I scoping mission to Dili in 2022, a technical mission focused on renewable energy policy and regulation in 2023, and a study tour from EDTL to the Northern Territory in September 2023. This exchange is facilitated by the Northern Territory Government’s Office of Asian Relations and the P4I team. The program ensures the interns gain a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy concepts and system planning, including direct exposure to the operations of the Northern Territory Electricity System and Market Operator, Power and Water Corporation, and Territory Generation. As part of the placement, they are receiving training on microgrid systems that integrate battery energy storage, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and diesel generators, as well as the design and selection of PV components, generator integration, and the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA systems for control and relay protection.  

In addition, the interns are learning about overhead line planning, reliability improvements, energy mix calculations, appliance running cost estimation, and demand load growth modelling for up to 25 years. They are also applying industry-standard software such as HOMER Pro for concept design, feasibility studies, and system modelling, along with Renewable Ninja for solar simulation.

On the project and policy side, the program introduces the interns to key elements from solar farm development, from site selection and landowner engagement to cost analysis and economic impact assessment. They are building capacity in project initiation, policy and regulatory processes, risk and warranty considerations, and exploring potential funding pathways through organizations such as IFC, ADB, and the Australian Embassy.

The internship also provides industry exposure through site visits and discussions with Northern Territory energy organisations. The interns have visited facilities like Channel Island Power Station and Daly River microgrid, as well as met with companies including GPA Engineering, Hitachi Energy, Territory Generation, 5B Maverick, and Engineers Australia to learn about different approaches to system design and operation. The program also introduces the history and development of renewable energy initiatives in remote communities across the NT. These engagements also help the interns build professional networks that will continue to support collaboration as EDTL advances its renewable energy projects.

Finally, the interns are refining their skills in business case presentation for solar projects, networking with consultants and engineers, understanding hybrid systems and system reliability, and applying technical guidelines for energy policy development.

The Interns

Edusinda Sandra Pereira Sanches

Edusinda work as Technical Staff at the National Dispatch Centre at EDTL. She graduated from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) in 2022 and holds a Diploma in Technical Electricity from E.T.V Don Bosco Maliana. She joined EDTL in 2022 and currently operates in the National Dispatch Centre within Dili substation. Edusinda is also a part of Feto Enginhera in Timor-Leste. During the internship, she is focused on learning about SCADA control systems and how they can help manage energy from solar, diesel generation and BESS in an integrated way.

Francisco Soares Pica

Francisco has been working with EDTL since 2007. Since 2022, he holds the position of Head of Economical and Statistics Section, and he has previously served as the head of the National Dispatch Centre and as team leader of Substation for the National Power Grid Projects. In his current role, he coordinates statistical and economic activities with EDTL departments including surveys, demand analysis and overhead electrical system planning and design. Francisco is a graduate of the Pendidikan Nasional University (Undiknas) Denpasar-Bali, Indonesia. During the internship, he is focused on learning about technical feasibility studies, a priority area for the Atauro project.

Constantino Pires Perira

Constantino has been working at EDTL since 2021. He initially worked in the distribution department and is now a Coordinator of Gab-ITVGP, responsible for project implementation, risk management, quality control, reporting and documentation. He holds a degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology (FEST) at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL). During the internship, he is focusing on technical analysis and modelling calculations for energy generation, which will contribute to the planning and designing for the Atauro Solar Farm.

Ester de Assunção Soares Belo

Ester is the only non-engineer in this internship. She has a degree in social sciences, a diploma in skills instrumentation engineering, and a degree in business with a focus on petroleum management. She joined EDTL one year ago and works in the distribution department as a program officer, supporting the Director through data compilation and reporting on quarterly and annual progress across multiple EDTL projects. She has contributed to the community electrification projects, the National Electrification Program and also plays a key role in engagement with external partners to promote renewable energy at international conferences. Prior to joining EDTL, she worked with the National Authority of Electricity, Public Institution, as Commercialisation and Tarriff officer, with expertise in procurement standards for overseas vendors. During the internship, she is focused on energy regulation, pricing and labour policy for technical staff to support the development and operation of the Atauro Solar Farm Project.

Beyond the Internship: Connections beyond borders

As the internship concludes in December, the interns are preparing to apply their new skills within EDTL. Their experience with simulation software, exposure to a range of technologies and engagement with Australian energy sector stakeholders will support the ongoing development of projects such as the Atauro Solar Farm. Continued capacity building across EDTL will be important for the successful delivery and integration of new renewable energy infrastructure, and the interns are committed to sharing their learning with colleagues to help strengthen internal systems and practice.  

Alongside their technical development, the interns have also improved their English proficiency and gained insights into workplace culture, further supporting their future roles in international collaboration. On returning to Dili, they will continue contributing to the partnership between the Northern Territory Government, Timor-Leste and P4I as EDTL advances toward its renewable energy priorities.