Does improved electricity access improve development outcomes in Timor-Leste?

Overall, Timor-Leste's HDI has shown little improvement since 2010, while electricity access doubled to 100 %. The effects of improved electricity access on development outcomes appear less than observed internationally. Fig. 3. Timor-Leste's HDI component indices 2000–2021.

How much did Timor-Leste invest in a new power system?

Timor-Leste's power stations and distribution lines, showing the Power Distribution Modernisation Project. The initial capital investment in the new power system was reported as US$2 billion for the main power stations and distribution lines.

Does Timor-Leste have electricity?

Stakeholders confirmed that the state delivers Timor-Leste's national electricity supply, with no private actors involved. The electricity system's power stations and transmission lines, including those being modernised through assistance from the Asian Development Bank , are shown in Fig. 4.

Do Rural Households use electricity in Timor-Leste?

Stakeholder responses and anecdotal observations of rural households in Timor-Leste revealed that lighting, mobile phone charging, television, and radio dominate electricity use with limited adoption in agriculture-related activities. According to respondents, some farming groups operated small diesel generators for rice milling.

Why did Timor-Leste lose electricity?

Most of the energy infrastructure that existed when Timor-Leste was part of Indonesia was destroyed during the violent outbreaks of 1999. At the time of independence in 2002, electricity access was estimated to be just 24 % of the population .

Does Timor-Leste's electricity network support water security?

Interview findings suggested that the existing electricity network in Timor-Leste, with noted excess capacity, provided a largely untapped potential for supporting irrigation needs, such as groundwater pumping, to enhance water security.