Monrovia, Liberia – In an effort to end ongoing power outages and establish the groundwork for long-term national power security, the Liberian government has started an ambitious dual-track energy offensive. The plan’s key components are an immediate 100 megawatt (MW) thermal power intervention and an innovative 300 MW combined-cycle gas project in Buchanan, which together represent a daring attempt to put an end to long-term blackouts and boost economic growth.
In addition to integrating two significant hydropower projects, the St. Paul 2 Hydropower Project (250MW) and the St. John Hydropower Project (316MW), the program, led by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), represents a concerted national strategy to restructure Liberia’s precarious energy sector.
The action according to authorities is in line with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s goal of installing 700MW of capacity by 2030, a benchmark that is thought to be essential for stabilising the supply of electricity and fostering industrial growth.
According to officials, the 100MW Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) facility, which is being built with support from the private sector, notably MNG Mining Company, is anticipated to be completed within a year to protect the nation from impending shortages during the dry season.
A key component of Liberia’s long-term energy independence is the $500 million Buchanan gas project, which is expected to be operational by 2029. With technical assistance from Southern Company, one of the top power producers in the US, LEC inked a term agreement with Tarpeh Global Initiative (TGI) in Washington, D.C., marking a significant milestone.
In order to secure dependable, reasonably priced electricity and lessen reliance on expensive imports, the agreement is a major step. “This is about restoring confidence and building a future where electricity is no longer a constraint to national development,” said LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif, emphasizing the urgency behind the government’s approach.
The policy strikes a mix between short-term assistance and long-term transformation, government officials emphasized. While massive projects like the Buchanan gas project and hydropower programs seek to permanently address Liberia’s energy deficit, the fast-track HFO solution is intended to stabilize the grid in the short term.
The agreement, according to National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo, sends a clear message to international investors that Liberia is prepared for reliable, significant alliances that provide both financial resources and technical know-how.
Additionally, Trade and Investment Envoy Isaac Taggart emphasised the growing international trust in Liberia’s reform plan, while Special Presidential Envoy Bedell Sandi emphasised that the government is “fully engaged and focused on solutions.”
The Buchanan project, led by Liberian-born CEO James T. Tarpeh II of TGI, is expected to generate hundreds of jobs during construction and create long-term employment opportunities, alongside skills transfer programs for local institutions. According to officials, the project will unlock more economic potential beyond power, boosting businesses, drawing investment, and raising living conditions across the country.
The government of Liberia is asking people to be patient as the country struggles with persistent power outages, especially during the dry season, while promising to take decisive action to bring about both immediate stability and long-lasting improvement. “This is a turning point for Liberia’s energy sector,” Sherif said. “We are not only responding to today’s challenges, we are building a future where reliable electricity is guaranteed for every Liberian.”
Reported by: Prince Saah
