Liberia is on the cusp of a significant milestone in its energy sector development, marked by the impending dedication of its first solar power plant in October 2025. This 20-megawatt solar farm, situated in Grand Bassa County, is a key component of the World Bank-funded Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE). The project, representing an investment of approximately US$96 million, encompasses not only the construction of the solar farm but also the expansion of the existing Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and the provision of technical assistance aimed at strengthening Liberia’s energy sector. This multifaceted approach signifies a concerted effort to diversify the nation’s energy sources, reduce reliance on hydropower, and improve access to reliable and affordable electricity for Liberians.
The Grand Bassa solar farm, launched in October 2024 by President Joseph Boakai and executed by ICC Offshore, signifies a pivotal shift towards renewable energy in Liberia. The project is progressing according to schedule, with key construction activities like steel erection and solar panel installation already underway. Upon completion, this facility will not only be Liberia’s inaugural large-scale renewable energy project but also a symbol of the country’s commitment to embracing sustainable energy solutions. The project’s timely execution underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the persistent challenge of electricity shortages, which have long hampered Liberia’s economic development and social progress.
Liberia’s current dependence on the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant has left the nation vulnerable to the vagaries of seasonal water fluctuations, particularly during the dry season, exacerbating the existing power deficit. Recognizing the need to address this vulnerability and enhance the reliability of electricity supply, the government is undertaking simultaneous efforts to rehabilitate and expand the capacity of the Mount Coffee facility. Repairs on Turbine One, which has been out of commission since July 2021, are currently being carried out by Sinohydro and are expected to be completed by May 2026, restoring 22 megawatts of generating capacity.
Complementing these large-scale infrastructure projects, the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP) is focused on extending electricity access to communities at a more granular level. Currently, LESSAP is connecting 80 communities in Brewerville City and District #1, Montserrado County, as well as other areas across the country. The project is nearing completion, with customer metering already underway. With the first phase slated for closure by December 2025, the groundwork is being laid for a second phase, which will further expand electricity access to additional communities, contributing to broader socio-economic development.
Further bolstering Liberia’s electrification efforts, the Rural Electricity Expansion Project, undertaken within the framework of the CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea) initiative, is set to bring electricity to 20 towns in Rivercess County and install 48 streetlights, with additional lighting planned for surrounding areas. This project, funded by the African Development Bank, is not only expanding access to electricity but also fostering local employment by prioritizing the recruitment of residents from Rivercess County. This localized approach to job creation underscores the government’s commitment to maximizing the socio-economic benefits of infrastructure development within the communities directly impacted by these projects.
The convergence of these various energy initiatives – the Grand Bassa solar farm, the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant rehabilitation, the LESSAP community connections, and the CLSG rural electrification project – demonstrates a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing Liberia’s energy challenges. The government’s commitment to diversifying energy sources, enhancing grid stability, and expanding access to electricity signifies a concerted push towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for Liberia. These projects collectively represent a substantial investment in the nation’s infrastructure and human capital, laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for the Liberian people. The dedication of the solar farm in October 2025 will serve as a tangible symbol of this progress and a testament to the transformative potential of renewable energy in driving national development.
