UN Community Radio Network – East Timor

Scale: 8 Solar/Wind Powered Broadcast Sites
Sector:  Broadcast / Humanitarian / Post-Conflict Development 

In the aftermath of East Timor’s independence, the country lacked basic communications infrastructure — leaving remote communities without access to news, public health information, or democratic voice.

The UN sought to deploy a network of community-based radio stations powered entirely by solar and wind energy, capable of operating in isolated regions with no grid access and limited logistics. The project required navigating complex political realities, unstable geography, and urgent humanitarian needs under UN protection.

I worked directly with UN mission leadership and local stakeholders to design and deliver the end-to-end solution — from energy modelling to field deployment.

This included:

• Conducting site surveys across remote and mountainous regions under UN escort
• Designing hybrid solar/wind systems capable of 24/7 broadcast operation
• Coordinating with local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders
• Overseeing installation, testing, and training of local radio operators
• Ensuring systems were resilient to weather, terrain, and supply chain constraints

• Eight fully energy-independent radio stations delivered across East Timor
• Enabled public access to news, education, health messaging, and democratic information
• Strengthened community resilience during a politically fragile transition period
• Provided a communications lifeline where no infrastructure previously existed
• Demonstrated how renewable energy and broadcast technology can support nation-building and post-conflict reconstruction