WB’s Director Hails Ground Breaking for Liberia’s first utility-scale Solar Plant -Says It’s ‘Powerful Demonstration of What We Can Achieve’

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia along with its development partners, including the World Bank, last weekend broke ground for the construction of Liberia’s first utility-scale solar PV plant in the vicinity of the country’s biggest power source, the Mount Coffee Hydro.

The ceremony was a particular delight to the World Bank whose Country Director said “we are marking a giant step towards realizing the Liberian people’s aspirations for affordable, reliable, clean energy to power their future.”

In a statement delivered Friday, October 11, 2024, Country Manager Georgia Wallen said the plant, when completed, would help advance the right model – setting the stage for more private sector investment.

According to her Liberia is aiming to add another 70MW of power through solar PV, “and this development can be accelerated through private sector investment”.

“I am pleased to note that there will be about USD 2 million in grant funding under the World Bank funded LESSAP project to engage a transaction advisor for solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to be procured through competitive bidding,” the World Bank Liberia Country Manager indicated, adding: “The grant will also support the completion of feasibility studies, including the preparation of environmental and social instruments for private sector solar PV plants.”

She continued: “Today’s event is ground-breaking in more ways than one. As we break ground on Liberia’s first utility-scale solar PV plant, we are marking a giant step towards realizing the Liberian people’s aspirations for affordable, reliable, clean energy to power their future.  On behalf of the World Bank, we are delighted to be part of this pivotal moment. I want to highlight why this solar PV plant comes in the right place, the right time, with the right model.”

According to him, the solar PV plant’s location at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Station is extremely strategic.

By utilizing existing land, assets, and infrastructure in an innovative way, Madam Warren said, the project maximizes benefits while helping with managing potential risks.

“Also, the solar plant will complement the existing Mt. Coffee hydropower plant,” Madam Warren further said. “This hybrid model will help to address the stubborn, annual challenge of dry season energy demand by harnessing low-cost solar resources complemented by hydropower.  It will boost energy efficiency and capacity, and help displace expensive thermal generation.”

She also expressed delight that the project has come at the right, since “the 2030 target date for Liberia Rising is inching closer and will be adding urgency to deliver results with speed and efficiency.

“Through this project, Warren averred, “we are laying the foundation for utility-scale solar PV plants in Liberia to power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the country.

“We believe this project will serve as a catalyst for further solar energy development, paving the way for more sustainable growth and helping to close the energy access gap.  Time is of the essence.”

The World Bank Country Manager assured Liberians that the efforts underway are not just about building energy infrastructure but also “about achieving our mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet.”

She made it clear that harnessing Liberia’s natural endowments is integral to positioning Liberia to achieve a brighter future for all.

Addressing President Joseph Boakai who was present at the groundbreaking, Madam Warren added: “I would like to extend deep appreciation to the Government of Liberia for strong leadership and commitment to renewable energy.

“Warm thanks to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, and the RESPITE project team, whose dedication and hard work have made this day possible. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we align our resources, expertise, focus, and efforts toward a common goal.”

She said the World Bank is proud to stand alongside the Government of Liberia in this vital endeavor.

“We look forward to lasting, positive impacts for the benefit of the Liberian people,” he emphasized.