By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a significant move to address the ongoing energy crisis plaguing the nation, the chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG), has outlined an ambitious multi-phase strategy aimed at revitalizing the energy sector.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the Sector Lead and Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG), presented the detailed action plan, which encompasses short-term, medium-term, and long-term initiatives.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella made the disclosure at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
According to Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the short-term plan, set to unfold over the next six months, focuses on immediate repairs to key power plants, including essential refurbishment of the Blackhall Road facility, which has a capacity of 16 megawatts (MW), and the Kingtom power plant with a capacity of 9 MW. To enhance the current power supply, the government has arranged to import additional electricity from neighbouring countries—10 MW from Guinea, 27 MW from Ivory Coast, and 40 MW from Ghana. Furthermore, the government aims to bolster the leadership of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) by recruiting a Chief Operating Officer and a Chief Information Officer, with support from the World Bank.
Looking ahead to the medium-term strategy, which spans 12 to 18 months, the government aims to develop new power generating plants at Newton and Lungi, contributing a combined capacity of 40 MW, and another 40 MW plant in Kamakwe. Solar energy initiatives will also be expanded, with plans for installing 15 MW of solar power in Newton and solarizing seven district headquarters, 700 schools, and clinics across the country. Additionally, the government plans to connect mining companies to the national grid to further enhance energy distribution and boost participation from the private sector in EDSA operations.
In the long term, the ambitious strategy includes the construction of an 83 MW gas plant by NANT Energy within a two-and-a-half-year timeline. The government also plans upgrades to existing facilities like the Dodo Dam (12 MW) and Bumbuna-1 (120 MW) to increase capacity. The establishment of 200 mini-grids and significant investments in improving nationwide transmission and distribution infrastructure, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Indian EXIM Bank, are also key components of the long-term vision.
With a targeted increase in energy generation to 422 MW, such a comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to secure a stable and sustainable energy future for Sierra Leone, revitalizing the economy and improving living conditions for its citizens.
