𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬. 𝐁𝐢𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬’s damage is equal to his beauty.

[ad_1]

Author: Mohammad Fofana saramadifofana@gmail.com

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio yesterday launched the country’s first natural gas-fired power plant, a project that will revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy landscape, bringing reliable and affordable electricity to communities across the country.
Speaking at the Kisii Fuel Terminal in Freetown, President Bio said the transformative power generation project embodies the country’s vision for a sustainable and cleaner energy sector, ensuring universal access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services by 2035.
President Bio said: “Energy is the lifeblood of any modern society…it powers our homes, fuels our industries and drives economic development and social progress in our countries.”
The President reiterated that Sierra Leone has long faced enormous challenges in meeting its energy needs. “We continue to face a lack of access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.”
“Today, we take a decisive step towards changing that. A new dawn has dawned. We are laying the foundation for a power generation project that will provide our country with reliable, affordable, cleaner and
Sustainable energy. ”
He added that the project is a force for change, a beacon of hope and a symbol of the country’s unwavering commitment to developing the energy sector in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner.
President Bio said the project marks the arrival of a new era of energy independence and prosperity for Sierra Leone, bringing hope and excitement for a better future.
The 148.5 MW power purchase agreement for the Western Region Power Generation Project was signed by the Cabinet in November 2023 and approved by the Sierra Leone Parliament to build and commission a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant with a service life of 22 years.
The project, which took 36 months to complete, will play a key role in meeting Sierra Leone’s energy needs and is an important step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The plant’s electricity is expected to benefit approximately 900,000 additional consumers, providing them with reliable and affordable energy.
Meanwhile, Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), said: “DFC is honored to contribute to the implementation of this project. We are proud that this power plant will nearly double Sierra Leone’s power generation capacity.”
Ms. Biswal said that while ADFC is active around the world, it is also committed to serving the people of Africa and Sierra Leone is one of their largest portfolios.
Ms. Biswal also said such a critical and transformative project would not only generate electricity but would also expand other economic opportunities in the country and help attract more private investment from around the world into Sierra Leone.
U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Brian David Hunter said the U.S. government is extremely proud to work with private sector sponsors and the Sierra Leone government to leverage this program.
“We are very pleased to now begin construction of this facility, which will be completed within 36 months,” Ambassador Hunt said.
Ambassador Hunt said the impact of the project will be far-reaching and will drive progress, prosperity and a better future for the people of Sierra Leone.”
“Through up to $412 million in financing, we have secured political risk insurance. We are committed to supporting the development of Sierra Leone’s energy sector. The United States, through its agencies and partners, recognizes the critical role that sustainable energy plays in economic development.”
“Energy is more than just a commodity, it is the backbone of economic growth, improved healthcare, educational advancement and Sierra Leone’s broader development aspirations.”
“In recent years, the U.S. government has made large investments in Sierra Leone’s energy sector. Our initiatives are designed to strengthen the country’s infrastructure, facilitate Sierra Leone’s energy transition, promote the use of renewable energy, increase technical expertise, create an environment conducive to private sector investment, and ensure that the benefits of energy access are broad and inclusive.”
Mr. Hunt also said that hospitals in Sierra Leone will have increased access to the reliable electricity they need to provide life-saving care around the clock. Businesses can thrive without power outages, boosting economic growth for small businesses and providing meals for the community… The increase in electricity will give entrepreneurs greater opportunities to put their visions into action and benefit their neighbors. Schools and homes will benefit from stable electricity, allowing children to learn in a supportive environment.”

[ad_2]

Source link