By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Energy Sector Lead and Chairman of Energy Governance Coordination Group, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella has on Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at the government weekly press briefing disclosed that the Nant Energy Project had last week received money for the commencement of the project.
The Nant Energy Project is a 412 million United States Dollars project launched in July 2024 by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for the construction of the First Gas Power Generation Plant at Kissy Freetown.
The Energy Lead and Chairman, Hon. Yumkella made this disclosure while he was presenting the short, medium and long term plans for the Sierra Leone energy sector. As part of the long term plans of the energy sector, he said the project that set to provide 83 Megawatt with LNG hub, would take a maximum of three years to complete.
Testifying to his news of the money received by the project, Hon. Kendeh Yumkella brought with him a representative of the Nant Energy Project who equally testified of receiving money for the commencement of the project. The Energy Chairman and Lead reaffirmed that the project bears no cost to the government and people of Sierra Leone as he assured that it is a private sector investment project.
Giving additional information, the Nant Energy Project launched at the Kissy Community Freetown is expected to boost Sierra Leone’s economy by creating jobs, fostering industrial growth, and improving access to reliable and affordable electricity. It would also strengthen essential sectors like healthcare and small businesses
The facility would use liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is cleaner and more efficient than traditional fuel sources. This aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. The project is a public-private partnership supported by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and implemented by co-sponsors Milele Energy and TCQ Power. The DFC will be providing $412 million in financing and political risk insurance.
Construction of the plant and other infrastructure is expected to be completed in 36 months, with operations managed by Siemens Energy. The project’s progress underscores Sierra Leone’s ambition to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. The initiative is positioned to attract more foreign investments into Sierra Leone’s energy sector and contribute to its broader economic transformation.
