Sierra Leone has launched a comprehensive energy-transition roadmap that mandates mining companies to connect to the national grid by 2040, according to a report by Bloomberg. This strategic move is expected to bolster confidence among renewable energy investors regarding demand in Sierra Leone, supporting the country’s ambitious $10.9 billion power expansion plan.
Goals of the Energy Transition
The roadmap is part of a broader strategy to elevate Sierra Leone’s power capacity from 300 MW to 4.5 GW by 2050, with 90% of the energy generated from renewable sources. Currently, the mining industry, which accounts for 70% of the country’s export earnings, self-generates over 500 MW using diesel. However, the existing power production is inadequate for the connected households and businesses, leading to a reliance on private fossil-fuel generators.
Addressing the Energy Access Gap
With less than a third of the population having access to electricity, the government aims to bridge this gap by integrating mining operations into the national grid. The success of this plan is crucial for attracting private funding, as Sierra Leone’s smaller economy struggles to bear the high costs associated with transitioning to cleaner energy.
Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, secretary of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines, stated, “It is an idea that most companies are gravitating toward. Producing your own electricity is expensive and logistically challenging. If this power can be sustainable and reliable, it will make economic sense.”
Interim Measures and Energy Imports
In the short term, Sierra Leone plans to import energy from the West African Power Pool to augment its grid, focusing initially on hydro and solar power, as noted by Deputy Energy Minister Edmond Nonie. The government is also working to resolve issues with existing energy partners and seeking new collaborations.
For instance, Turkish operator Karpowership had previously halted supplies due to unpaid debts, which Sierra Leone has started to address. This effort follows the recent appointment of President Julius Maada Bio to oversee the energy ministry after the resignation of Kanja Sesay due to the ongoing power crisis.
Conclusion
Sierra Leone’s energy transition roadmap represents a significant step towards enhancing the country’s energy infrastructure and promoting renewable energy investment. By connecting mining operations to the national grid and addressing immediate energy needs, the government aims to create a more sustainable energy future for its citizens.
Sources
- Bloomberg – Sierra Leone Energy Transition Roadmap
- Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines
- West African Power Pool
- Karpowership
