By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
Speaking during the launching of the first Gas Power Generation Plant in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio has on 18th June 2024 at the Kissy Terminal in Freetown said the plant would provide an additional 900,000 consumers with electricity supply.
Bio explained how the power plant would provide reliable and affordable energy in the country. "In addition, the abundant electricity generated and transmitted in the entire Western Area, will not only meet the energy needs but also catalyze economic growth," he added, saying they want to improve the lives of citizens.
Speaking on the importance of the project, he said it would harness resources and advance technology, saying it would boost current energy demands in the country. “It is about our people and our economy. It will create a multitude of jobs for the youth," he pointed out.
He said the project will promote reliable access to electricity across the country, and that government's ambition is to give universal access to energy by 2035."Energy is a life- blood of any modern society," Bio added, saying it fosters economic development and social progress.
He admitted that Sierra Leone continues to face series of challenges in the energy sector, especially in affordability and reliability. President Bio said they are building the foundation of a Gas Power Plant that will provide reliable, affordable, clearer and sustainable energy. "This project is a transformative force, a beacon of hope, symbol of our unwavering commitment as a government to develop our energy sector in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner," Bio added. He said the project would ensure energy independence for the country.
He recalled how the 148.5 mega -watts project was signed by his government in November 2023 and was ratified by the Sierra Leone Parliament, noting that the project will be completed in 33 months' time and will boost government’s commitment in attracting foreign investors into the energy sector.
In her statement, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Development Finance Corporation, Nisha Biswa said the Gas Power Generation Plant projects will double the access of energy in Sierra Leone.
Biswas recalled how their Chief Executive Officer had visited Sierra Leone in 2022 with a view of assuring the United States' commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in economic development.
She said the Development Finance Corporation is committed to the people of Africa, and that Sierra Leone boasts of one of their largest portfolios in Africa.
The power plant she added would expand other economic opportunities for the country.
The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt said the US government takes 'immense' pride in their partnership with the private sector sponsors as well as the Government of Sierra Leone in catalyzing the project. "We are thrilled that we will now begin the construction on this facility which will be completed within 36 months’’.
Hunt maintained that the project would revolutionize the energy sector in Sierra Leone, and bring renewable and affordable electricity to communities across the nation. The Impact he added would be profound.
He reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leon's growth in the energy sector. "The States and its agencies and partnerships recognize the critical role that sustainable energy plays in Sierra Leone’s economic development," the US Ambassador observed.
He noted how the US government has invested in Sierra Leone’s energy sector, and that their initiative he added is to enhance the country's energy infrastructure, facilitate Sierra Leone’s energy transition, and promote the use of renewable energy among others. The Gas Plant project he said would enable Sierra Leone’s hospitals to have the power they need, and that it would provide income for small businesses.
The Gas Power Generation Plant is a 412 million dollars project which is sponsored by the International Development Finance Corporation and the United States government.
The project is to provide 148.5 mega -watts of electricity not only for Western Area but also for the entire country. The project is expected to be completed in three years' time.
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