MONROVIA – Liberia, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), has taken another significant step toward efforts aimed at expanding access to clean and sustainable energy with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) expected to see the development of a 50-megawatt Solar Power Plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Liberia.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed with AfriLight Energy from West African Nation – Mali. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ousman Coulibaly was the signatory for his company, while for Liberia, the Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Mines and Energy [Liberia].
This MOU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that should account for strengthening Liberia’s energy infrastructure and accelerating the country’s transition to renewable energy.
The initiative will be implemented through the Ministry’s Department of Energy, under the leadership of Deputy Minister for Energy, Charles Umehai, as part of the Government of Liberia’s broader commitment to increasing electricity access, promoting sustainable development, and attracting private sector investment into the energy sector.
The proposed 50-megawatt solar generation facility coupled with an advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), will have the potential to transform Liberia’s energy landscape by providing a reliable and environmentally friendly source of electricity. Unlike conventional solar facilities that depend solely on daylight, the inclusion of battery storage technology would enable excess energy generation during peak sunlight hours to be stored and supplied to the national grid during evenings or periods of low solar production – according to the MOU.
If successfully implemented, the project is expected to improve grid stability, reduce power interruptions, and enhance the overall reliability of electricity supply across the country.
The signing of the Agreement between the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and AfriLight, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to pursuing innovative energy solutions that align with national development priorities and global climate objectives. The realization of the solar and battery storage project would bring substantial benefits to both the Ministry and the Liberian people.
A stable and expanded electricity supply would support industrial growth, encourage business expansion, and reduce operational costs faced by small and medium-sized enterprises that currently rely on expensive diesel generators. Improved access to affordable electricity would also enhance productivity across various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare.
The construction phase of the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for Liberian engineers, technicians, construction workers, and other skilled and semi-skilled laborers. Beyond construction, long-term operation and maintenance of the facility would create sustainable jobs while facilitating technology transfer and capacity building for local professionals in the renewable energy sector.
The 50megawatts solar energy project would also strengthen investor confidence by demonstrating Liberia’s readiness to embrace modern energy infrastructure and public-private partnerships. Such confidence aims to attract additional investments into the country’s renewable energy industry, creating new opportunities for economic diversification and sustainable development.
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY PUBLIC RELATIONS
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