15.4 MW Moyamba Hydropower Project
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Context & History
Sierra Leone is endowed with substantial renewable energy resources, including hydropower, solar and biomass. However, less than 15% of Sierra Leone’s total population has access to electricity, with the rate being only around 1% in rural areas, where power access is practically non-existent. The currently installed state-owned power generation capacity is inadequate to accommodate Sierra Leone’s total power demand.
Indeed, Sierra Leone is currently experiencing a net deficit of power and is in desperate need of new power sources. At present, black outs and load shedding are quite common. Demand for electricity is increasing significantly, too, principally as a result of major mining developments, but also due to the need to power economic growth. An estimated 10% -20% annual increase in power demand is foreseen in the coming 10 years. With the large-scale development of mineral resources in Sierra Leone and mechanised agricultural activities, power demand will also increase more rapidly.
