By: Mamajah Jalloh
President Julius Maada Bio on Friday, October 16, 2026, inspected the construction site of the 108.4-megawatt Nant Power Plant at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown, where project officials assured him that the facility remains on course to begin generating electricity in 2027.
The multi-fuel Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant is designed to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The project represents a major investment in Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure, involving the Government of Sierra Leone and development financing backed by the United States.
During the inspection, President Bio received a briefing from Nant Power Project Chief Executive Officer Karim Nasser and his technical team on construction progress, safety measures and planned operational facilities. The project was formerly known as the Western Area Power Generation Project.
The approximately US$417 million project is being developed by TCQ Power and Anergi Group Plc. Its financing includes a US$292 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a US$40 million loan from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and equity contributions from the developers.
Construction was officially launched in mid-2024, with initial power generation targeted for September 2027. Upon completion, Siemens Energy is expected to operate the facility, while Shapoorji Pallonji is responsible for engineering and construction.
During the briefing, Nasser outlined the plant’s safety arrangements, including plans to encapsulate three tanks with sand and concrete. He also explained that the completed facility would include an administrative building, a firefighting department, a warehouse, a security control room and other supporting infrastructure intended to strengthen operational safety and protect surrounding communities.
President Bio was also informed that Sierra Leoneans had undertaken construction work at the site, while the project incorporates internationally sourced equipment and advanced treatment technology.
President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project, stressing the importance of completing the facility on schedule as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its electricity supply and support economic activity.
Once operational, the 108.4-megawatt plant is expected to increase the country’s power-generation capacity, helping to meet the electricity needs of households and businesses while supporting wider economic development.