President Julius Maada Bio has officially launched Sierra Leone’s first gas power generation plant, a groundbreaking initiative costing USD $412 million. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to produce 150 megawatts of electricity, significantly exceeding the approximately 80 megawatts required to power the entire Western Area, which is vital for industrial use and supply to other parts of the country.
The project is primarily funded by the United States Government, with support from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). It aims to restore hope to the Kissy Dock Yard community in the eastern part of the capital, Freetown, an area that has faced neglect for decades. Members of the industrial community have expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the project, citing its potential to create much-needed job opportunities.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Bio described the event as a transformative moment for Sierra Leone, marking the country’s first large utility-scale independent power project. He emphasized that upgrading the power plant infrastructure as part of the Western Area Power Generation Project would promote reliable access to electricity across the nation.
“This project is a testament to our vision for a sustainable and cleaner energy sector, ensuring universal access to modern, affordable, and reliable energy services by 2035,” the President stated. He acknowledged the longstanding challenges Sierra Leone has faced in meeting its energy needs, particularly the inadequate access to affordable and reliable energy services.
“Today marks a new dawn as we take a decisive step to change that narrative. We are here to lay the foundation for a power generation project that will provide our nation with reliable, affordable, cleaner, and sustainable energy. The ‘BEACON ENERGY GENERATION PROJECT’ is not just a project; it is a transformative force, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to developing our energy sector sustainably, socially, and economically,” President Bio said.
He elaborated on the 148.5 MW Power Purchase Agreement for the Western Area Power Generation Project, signed by his Cabinet in November 2023 and ratified by the Sierra Leone Parliament. This agreement is set to facilitate the construction and commissioning of a 22-year liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant. Once completed in 36 months, the project will play a crucial role in meeting Sierra Leone’s energy needs, representing a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Nisha Biswal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), expressed gratitude to President Bio, his government, and the people of Sierra Leone for their resilience and development-oriented mindset. She noted the remarkable progress the country has made since her last visit years ago, highlighting her office’s commitment to supporting Africa, with Sierra Leone as one of their largest portfolios.
Biswal revealed that while the project had a long and complex journey, the dedication and commitment from President Bio’s administration have brought it to fruition. She confirmed that upon completion, the new power generation capacity would nearly double the current output in the country.
United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt, also praised the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing the pride his government takes in partnering with private sector sponsors and the government of Sierra Leone to finalize the project. He stated that this initiative would revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, providing reliable and affordable electricity to communities nationwide. The $412 million investment, along with political risk insurance, underscores the United States’ dedication to supporting the growth of Sierra Leone’s energy sector.As Sierra Leone embarks on this transformative energy project, there is hope that it will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future, improving the lives of countless citizens and fostering economic development across the nation.