As Liberia To Get First Solar Farm
Monrovia, Liberia – At the Mount Coffee Power Plant, Liberia’s first 20 MW solar farm has been officially inaugurated by President Joseph N. Boakai. During the ground breaking ceremony on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Harrisburg, Boakai stated that the 20 MW solar farm would integrate solar energy, which is abundant during the dry season when water levels are low and hydro production decreases, to address power shortages during that time.
“The groundbreaking of this solar farm was a significant turning point in the growth of our energy industry, the pursuit of our objectives, and the renewal of energy in Liberia.”
The project was referred to as Liberia’s first utility-scale solar facility by President Boakai.
He goes on to say, solar energy is also more affordable and that the nation needs it to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources.
The leader of Liberia emphasized that his government is prepared and dedicated to providing sufficient, dependable, and reasonably priced electricity.
President Boakai also reiterated the government’s commitment to all solar projects and the extension of Mount Coffee, which are among the nation’s energy priority investment projects. President Boakai applauded the World Bank and the project contractors for the 20mw Solar Farm project.
According to World Bank Country Director Madam Georgia Wallen, the site of the solar PV plant at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Station is very strategic. She also stated that the project maximizes benefits while assisting in risk management because it makes creative use of the land, assets, and infrastructure already in place.
She also said that the solar facility will enhance the current hydroelectric plant on Mount Coffee.
According to Madam Wallen, the hybrid model will use hydropower and inexpensive solar energy to assist solve the yearly problem of dry season energy needs.
It will assist replace costly thermal generating and increase energy efficiency and capacity, according to her statement.
“Secondly, the timing of this is perfect. Liberia Rising’s 2030 target date is drawing near, which increases the need to produce results quickly and effectively.”
According to Madam Wallen, the World Bank is establishing utility-scale solar photovoltaic facilities in Liberia through the initiative, which would power the nation’s homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools.
“We think that this initiative will act as a spur for more advancements in solar energy, opening doors for more sustainable growth and assisting in the reduction of the energy access disparity.”
Dame Wallen, “I am happy to announce that the World Bank-funded LESSAP project will provide approximately USD $2 million in grant funding to hire a transaction advisor for solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to be selected through competitive bidding.”
According to the World Bank Country Director, the funding will also help with the completion of feasibility studies and the creation of social and environmental policies for solar PV projects in the private sector.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
