The Government of Liberia is expanding the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant to alleviate electricity shortages during dry seasons. Funding from the World Bank has been secured, and a contract with Sanoe Hydro aims to increase the plant’s capacity to 138 MW. Additional projects include a new hydropower plant and community electrification initiatives, all aimed at improving energy access across Liberia.
The Government of Liberia has secured funding to expand the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, aiming to alleviate the country’s electricity crisis during the dry season. The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) will initiate this expansion in March 2025, with completion expected in March 2026. Funding details remain undisclosed, but a contract has been signed with Sanoe Hydro, a Chinese firm, to increase the plant’s capacity to 138 MW. This will still not meet the full power demand of the country.
Originally established in 1963 with World Bank support, the Mount Coffee plant underwent various phases of development, reaching an initial capacity of 30 MW by 1966. This capacity increased to 64 MW by 1973, but the facility suffered significant damage during the civil war in the early 1990s. Post-war rehabilitation efforts culminated in the plant’s revitalization in 2018, raising capacity to 88 MW, though challenges in meeting electricity demands persist, particularly in dry months.
Funding from the World Bank will be allocated for extensive repairs and the installation of additional turbines to enhance power generation. The government also plans to incorporate advanced turbo motors in these upgrades to bolster electricity distribution in Liberia. The one-year project is anticipated to markedly improve the nation’s energy supply.
In parallel with the Mount Coffee project, there are plans for a new hydropower plant utilizing hydro-solar technology, which is estimated to cost around US$300 million. This facility aims to facilitate continuous power production throughout the year. Additionally, the restoration of two non-functional LEC backup generators is expected to contribute an extra 2 MW to the grid.
On the community electrification front, LEC reports that nearly 17,000 new households have gained grid access. A new initiative poised to connect 35,000 households in the Brewerville to Po-River area will commence this February. The Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project has already connected nearly 40,000 households, showcasing the government’s commitment to improving energy access across the country.
The Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant plays a crucial role in Liberia’s electricity landscape, having faced numerous challenges since its inception in the 1960s. The plant’s expansion is part of broader efforts by the government and LEC to modernize the country’s energy infrastructure and address ongoing power shortages. Improved infrastructure is fundamental for supporting economic growth and ensuring energy availability for citizens.
The expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant marks a significant step toward addressing Liberia’s perennial electricity shortages. With World Bank funding and new technological integration, the project aims to enhance the country’s power supply to meet increasing demands. Concurrent community electrification efforts further demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to improving access to energy, vital for the nation’s development.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
