Assessing Sierra Leone's renewable energy progress and challenges

Sierra Leone is making significant strides towards a sustainable energy future, with the goal of increasing its renewable energy mix from 30-35 per cent to 60 per cent by 2030. The country's Deputy Energy Minister, Edmond Nonie, highlighted key initiatives such as the construction of solar mini-grids aimed at rural electrification for the majority of the population. The focus on rural areas is crucial as that is where most of the population resides. Nonie emphasized the importance of bridging the gap in energy access by expanding the mini-grid network and integrating it with the main grid in Freetown. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure energy access for all citizens. Sierra Leone's progress towards its energy goals is buoyed by substantial investments, including the Millennium Challenge Corporation's Compact of $490 million, funding from the DFC totaling $412 million, and support from the World Bank amounting to $100 million. These investments signify a commitment to bolstering the country's energy infrastructure and driving sustainable development. Moreover, the government is fostering partnerships with the private sector to accelerate progress, as evidenced by the recent framework agreement with solar mini-grid operators. By leveraging public-private collaborations, Sierra Leone aims to achieve its renewable energy targets efficiently. Challenges, however, persist in balancing energy transition with economic growth. Nonie acknowledged the high risk perception for private institutional finance in Sierra Leone and outlined strategies to mitigate these risks. The proposed Sierra Leone Energy Fund seeks to provide guarantee instruments and underwriting support to attract private investment. Additionally, exploring the use of carbon credits to address forex challenges demonstrates the government's proactive stance in fostering a conducive investment environment. Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone remains optimistic about its energy trajectory and is committed to overcoming obstacles to realize its renewable energy ambitions. The country faces complex decisions regarding hydropower development and ecosystem preservation within river basins. Balancing the potential of hydropower with environmental considerations poses a significant dilemma, especially for a low-income country striving for industrialization. While hydropower offers a stable baseload for industrial growth, it necessitates careful management to mitigate environmental and social impacts. Sierra Leone is exploring collaborations with neighboring countries through the West Africa Power Pool to leverage hydropower, geothermal, and solar resources. With an eye on maximizing hydropower potential, Sierra Leone plans to develop more sites in the coming years, acknowledging the challenges of execution and cost associated with hydropower projects. These endeavors align with the country's broader policy objectives, such as in-country mineral processing, which hinges on robust energy infrastructure. The government's proactive measures in energy sector development underline its commitment to sustainable growth and resource utilization.