By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone is expected to receive US$100 million in World Bank financing to support the expansion of electricity access across the country.
The Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, disclosed this while engaging with Sierra Leoneans in the United States during Civic Day, where he outlined Government’s plans and investments in the energy sector.
Minister Grant said the proposed financing forms part of efforts to improve the reliability, availability and reach of electricity services, while supporting reforms in the management and distribution of power.
He said the financing is linked to proposed reforms involving the concessioning of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA)’s distribution operations to a private company. Under the proposed arrangement, EDSA and the Government would retain oversight responsibilities.
According to Minister Grant, the reforms are intended to improve the efficiency of electricity distribution and establish a more sustainable system capable of meeting the country’s growing demand for power.
He said Government is targeting an increase in national electricity access from approximately 35 percent to 78 percent, noting that achieving the target would require significant investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The Minister explained that expanding electricity access would require not only increased power generation but also the development of transmission and distribution networks to deliver electricity to communities across the country.
He also highlighted support from development partners in the renewable energy sector, including a US$20 million European Union-supported renewable energy project.
According to Minister Grant, the project is expected to cover 78 sites across towns and villages, helping to extend clean and reliable electricity services to communities outside the main national grid.
He further disclosed that a US$60 million World Bank-supported DARES project is expected to benefit approximately one million people through renewable energy development and rural electrification.
Another development highlighted by the Minister was the 108-megawatt Nant power plant, which is expected to begin operations by the middle of next year.
Once operational, the plant is expected to add significant generation capacity to the national grid and support the Government’s electricity expansion plans.
Minister Grant stressed that increased generation capacity must be matched by improvements in transmission and distribution to ensure that new investments translate into reliable electricity for consumers.
The Civic Day engagement provided an opportunity for the Minister to update Sierra Leoneans in the United States on developments in the country and outline ongoing efforts to strengthen the energy sector.
With the planned increase in electricity access from about 35 percent to 78 percent, alongside investments in renewable energy, rural electrification and new generation capacity, the Government is seeking to expand electricity access for households, businesses, schools, health facilities and industries.
The Minister said the combined investments in generation, transmission and distribution are expected to support economic growth and improve access to reliable electricity across Sierra Leone.