Sierra Leone airport solar Expansion Project with Turkish Firm
Sierra Leone is taking a significant step towards a greener future for its aviation sector. Lungi International Airport is set to undergo a major expansion of its solar power capacity, a landmark project driven by the Gambian-Turkish firm, AIC Renewable Energy. This multi-million-dollar initiative aims to bolster energy security, slash dependence on fossil fuels, and provide a stable, reliable power source for one of West Africa’s key aviation hubs.
A Leap in Sierra Leone airport solar Energy Capacity
Scheduled for implementation in 2026, the project will dramatically increase the airport’s ability to generate and store its own clean energy. The expansion includes the installation of a new 3.6 MW solar power plant, which will complement the airport’s existing 1 MW facility.
Even more significant is the planned upgrade to the energy storage infrastructure. The airport’s battery energy storage system will be expanded from 1 MWh to a total of 21 MWh. This massive increase in storage capacity is crucial for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, allowing the airport to operate seamlessly on solar power even during nighttime or periods of low sunlight.
The Team Behind the Sierra Leone airport solar Transformation
AIC Renewable Energy is spearheading this ambitious undertaking. The firm is currently conducting a feasibility study, led by its Head of Engineering, Peter Weißenpferd, in close collaboration with partners from Turkey, Germany, and Sierra Leone.
The CEO of AIC has emphasized the company’s commitment to building strong regional partnerships to advance renewable infrastructure across West Africa. This project at Lungi Airport serves as a prime example of that vision in action.
Setting a Regional Benchmark for Sierra Leone airport solar
Upon completion, this project will position Lungi International Airport as a trailblazer in clean-energy aviation within the region. By moving towards energy self-sufficiency through renewables, the airport not only enhances its operational resilience but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint.
This forward-thinking approach is part of a broader strategy for AIC Renewable Energy, which is also proposing a similar 3.6 MW solar plant and a 12 MWh battery system for Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Guinea-Bissau. These projects signal a growing momentum for sustainable infrastructure development across West Africa, promising a cleaner, more reliable energy future for vital transportation links.
