Sierra Leone is pushing mining companies to connect to the national grid as part of a $10.9 billion renewable energy expansion plan aimed at boosting capacity 15-fold by 2050, with 90% of the power coming from renewables.
Why it matters
The mining sector, which generates 70% of Sierra Leone’s export earnings, currently relies on over 500 megawatts of self-produced diesel power.
Connecting these companies to the grid would reassure investors about demand and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
Driving the news
- The government’s energy-transition roadmap, launched this month, mandates mining firms to use the grid by 2040.
- Sierra Leone plans to scale its power capacity from 300 megawatts to 4,500 megawatts by 2050, largely through hydro and solar energy.
- The plan also includes importing power from the West African Power Pool to meet immediate needs.
State of play
- Less than 30% of Sierra Leone’s 8.5 million people have access to electricity, according to the World Bank.
- Existing power supply is inadequate, leaving households and businesses reliant on expensive private generators.
- Miners like Gerald Group and China Kingho Energy Group are among the country’s largest private power producers.
What they’re saying
- Kandeh Yumkella, chairman of a presidential renewable-energy initiative: Connecting mining firms would make the utility profitable and help companies “green” their operations.
- Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines: “Producing your own electricity is expensive and logistically challenging… Sustainable and reliable grid power would make economic sense.”
- Joseph Nganga, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet: The move is vital for reducing mining’s carbon footprint and staying competitive in global markets.
Between the lines
Financing is a major hurdle. Sierra Leone can’t afford the $10.9 billion investment on its own and depends on foreign investors and development finance due to the high cost of borrowing.
What’s next
- The government is resolving debts with partners like Turkey’s Karpowership, which paused supplies last year.
- President Julius Maada Bio has taken direct control of the energy ministry to address the crisis and attract new investors.
Source: Bloomberg
