PRES. WEAH ANNOUNCE
The implementation of a 20-megawatt Solar power plant, the expansion of Mt. Coffee by two additional turbines, feasibility studies for further development of the St. Paul River with a view to developing another hydroelectric facility, and other initiatives have all been undertaken by the government of Liberia as part of a strategic plan to ensure reliable and affordable energy in Liberia.
President George Manneh Weah announced to the public that the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) management and “CLSG” energies of Cote D’Ivoire had signed a power purchase agreement. The first purchase of 27 megawatts will be increased to 50 megawatts based on an increase in energy demand. He said the national grid now receives consistent electricity from the “CLSG” line after the power supply started on December 1, 2022.
The World Bank Executive Board has approved an amount of USD$96 million for financing a 20-megawatt solar project and the development of the Mt. Coffee Hydro facility, according to The Liberian Leader. President Weah claims that these initiatives will result in a 40% increase in installed capacity, bringing the internal installed energy capacity from 126 to 188 megawatts. According to Mr. Weah, the ability to generate clean, renewable energy will account for 80% of all installed capacity. The Liberian President insisted that a significant portion of the nation’s energy power will help reduce “CO2” emissions into the atmosphere.
President mentioned that feasibility studies for a second hydropower facility of 150 megawatts upstream of the St. Paul River and the Via Reservoir have started, with assistance from the World Bank and the West African Power Pool. He said the realization of more hydro production assets will aid Liberia’s transition to a new phase of energy security. Eight counties Montserrado, Bomi, Cape Mount, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland are currently included in the national grid. The distance between the high-voltage transmission line and the medium-voltage transmission line is 254 km and 641 km, respectively.
More than 180,000 homes have access to grid electricity, the president noted. The Liberian Leader praised important development partners in the energy sector for their contributions to funding the restoration of the generation assets, notably the Mt. Coffee hydro, as well as the repair of the national grid. Asserting that providing citizens with affordable and dependable energy is essential for the nation’s economic development, the president said, “I want to be very clear that we will not allow any attempt to undermine our efforts.” Power theft, which has threatened the long-term viability of the LEC and the steady supply of electricity, has cost over USD$ 40 million in lost revenue in 2022, according to the Liberian Leader.
“With your help, we were able to pass the Power Theft Act, which makes the act of power theft a second-degree felony and notifies both domestic residents and visitors that it is illegal in the nation. We must all be responsible citizens and pay for the electricity we use,” the Liberian noted.
Mr. Weah however praised the Anti-Power Theft team for their diligence and commitment to fighting power theft in Liberia and, assured them of the government’s complete support. He said the government will remain vigilant and resolute against power Theft in the country. President George Manneh Weah made these remarks when he addressed the 54th Legislature during his 6th annual state of the nation address on Monday, January 30, 2023.
