18/06/2024
Consolidating the Energy Gains....
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Turns Sod for First Gas Power Generation Plant,Says Country is on a Path to Energy Transformation
Austine Luseni
Communications Specialist
Ministry of Energy
Contact:077377042/034157390
*Kissy Terminal,Freetown,Tuesday June 18, 2024---------* His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has described the ceremony marking the launch of Sierra Leone's first Gas Power Generation Plant as transformative and historic while singling out former Energy Minister, Alhaji Dr Kanja Sesay,for praises with regards his laying of a solid groundwork for the realization of the project.
"The development and upgrade of the power plant infrastructure at the Freetown-based Western Area Power Generation Project will promote reliable access to electricity across Sierra Leone."
"This transformative Power Generation Project is a testament to our country's vision for a sustainable and cleaner energy sector that ensures universal access to modern affordable and reliable energy services by 2035,"he optimistically said.
President Bio informed the gathering and the nation that energy is the lifeblood of any modern society as it powers homes,fuels industries,and drives the country's economic and social progress,while bemoaning the fact that Sierra Leone,for far too long,has faced significant challenges in meeting its energy needs.
"Today,a new dawn is upon us as we take a decisive step to change the narrative. We are here to lay the foundation for a Power Generation Project that will provide our nation with reliable,affordable,cleaner and sustainable energy," he remarked,noting that once the project was completed in 36 months,it would play a critical role in meeting Sierra Leone's energy needs.
In addition to thanking development partners like the United States International Finance Corporation,DFC,and the ECOWAS Bank for Investments and Development,EBID,President Bio singled out former Energy Minister for praises,describing his leadership qualities as exceptional and his role in laying the foundation for the project as outstanding and worthy of recognition.
"Let us embrace the opportunities this project presents and work together to ensure that everyone benefits. By the grace of God,this is the beginning of many transformative investments,especially in the energy sector..... Together, we are not just breaking ground. We are laying the foundation for a brighter,better tomorrow," President Bio concluded.
Deputy Minister of Energy l, Dr. Eldred Taylor,provided a comprehensive background of the project,informing the gathering that the Power Purchase Agreement was signed in 2021 while also stating that the Steering Committee of the Government of Sierra Leone and the Sponsors had worked diligently to conclude the PPA requirements in 2022.
He catalogued a number of expected benefits that the project was going to bring to the people of Sierra Leone,noting that the project was a demonstration of the ability of the government to attract direct foreign investment in a large infrastructural project with long-term commitments.
Development Finance Corporation Deputy Chief Executive Officer,Nisha Biswa,said the determination and resilience of the people of Sierra Leone was more evident today than when she was working in the country some thirty years ago. She said they were proud to have formed a partnership with a government whose leader in President Julius Maada Bio was hard working and dedicated to progress.
United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone,Bryan Hunt,said it was an honour for his government to partner with its Sierra Leonean counterpart for what he described as a groundbreaking energy project.
With the energy sector and the Feed Salone agenda being inextricably linked,reforms continue in the sector.
