Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Energy I, Ing. Edmond Benjamin Nonie, has outlined significant progress and upcoming projects within the Ministry of Energy aimed at strengthening the country’s electricity supply and infrastructure.
Speaking during an interview, Deputy Minister Nonie emphasized that the Ministry has carried out extensive reforms across the energy sector in close collaboration with development partners. As the main institution responsible for energy generation and distribution, the Ministry, through the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), has made notable strides in improving power access nationwide.
In terms of energy generation, the Deputy Minister revealed that Sierra Leone currently receives electricity from neighboring Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, while efforts continue to enhance domestic generation capacity. Ongoing works are being carried out on generators at Kingtom and Blackhall Road, along with the construction of solar power facilities in Newton and Lungi.
He further announced that by next year, an additional 60 megawatts (MW) of power will be added to the national grid to improve electricity distribution across the country.
Deputy Minister Nonie also discussed the Global Circuit Unit (GCU) proposal focusing on battery-grade infrastructure and renewable energy. He recently represented Sierra Leone at the 40th Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC) in the United Arab Emirates, where he sought to attract investment and learn about modern energy solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for grid optimization.
During the visit, the Ministry engaged with GCU to discuss funding for solar energy projects, particularly around solar batteries to enhance the performance of existing installations. Last year, Sierra Leone’s Vice President launched a 40 MW solar power project in Newton, but limited battery capacity has constrained its full output. GCU has committed to providing the remaining 15 MW of battery capacity to ensure optimal performance of the solar system.
According to Deputy Minister Nonie, GCU reached out to the Government of Sierra Leone through official channels, expressing interest in working within the country’s energy sector. A technical team from the Ministry will meet with GCU representatives this November to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and finalize details of the partnership.
He explained that the project will operate as a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where payments will be made from EDSA’s revenue at a reduced tariff, ensuring affordability and sustainability. The agreement also includes the replacement of Transformers 1, 2, and 3, as well as the rehabilitation of the 161kV transmission line that transmits power from Bumbuna to Freetown.
Deputy Minister Nonie concluded that these interventions will significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s energy sector, increase reliability, and bring lasting improvements to the country’s electricity supply.