Sierra Leone Transfers Moyamba Solar Plant for Solar Electrification
In a significant move to bolster its energy sector and address persistent power shortages, the government of Sierra Leone officially transferred the ownership and operations of the 50 MW Moyamba Solar Power Plant to the Emerging Global Trade Company (EGTC) on February 9, 2026. This strategic handover marks a pivotal step in the nation’s efforts to leverage private sector expertise for a more stable and sustainable energy future.
EGTC, a UK-based renewable energy firm with a growing footprint in Africa, will now manage the facility under a 25-year concession agreement. The transfer is expected to enhance the plant’s efficiency, expand its capacity, and ensure a more reliable power supply for the region.
The Moyamba Plant: A Beacon of Sierra Leone Solar Electrification
Located in the Moyamba District, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Freetown, the solar plant has been a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s renewable energy ambitions since its commissioning in 2023. Developed with support from the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program and UK aid, the facility boasts over 100,000 photovoltaic panels. At full capacity, it can generate enough electricity to power around 100,000 households, significantly reducing the country’s dependence on expensive and environmentally harmful diesel generators.
Details of the Public-Private Partnership for Sierra Leone Solar Electrification
The agreement between the Sierra Leonean government and EGTC is designed to unlock the plant’s full potential. Key terms of the transfer include:
- Investment Commitment: EGTC has committed to investing $30 million over the next five years for maintenance and critical expansions.
- Capacity Expansion: A core objective of the partnership is to increase the plant’s total capacity from 50 MW to 80 MW by 2028.
- Favorable Tariff: The agreement secures a fixed electricity tariff of $0.045 per kWh, a substantial reduction from the previous diesel-based costs of around $0.15 per kWh.
- Operational Control: EGTC will take over full operational responsibility from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy and the national utility, EASL.
In a press release confirming the transfer, Energy Minister Alhaji Chernor Bacchus Dumoya stated, “This PPP [public-private partnership] will ensure sustainable power for Moyamba and beyond. Attracting private investment is crucial for our nation’s growth and energy security.”
Addressing Sierra Leone’s Energy Challenges Through Solar Electrification
This move comes at a critical time for Sierra Leone, which has long struggled with chronic electricity deficits and a national energy access rate of approximately 30%. Despite the Moyamba plant’s high potential, its output has often been limited by grid constraints and transmission bottlenecks. By bringing in an experienced operator like EGTC, which manages large-scale solar projects in Zambia and Kenya, the government aims to overcome these operational hurdles.
The partnership is expected to yield multiple benefits:
- Job Creation: EGTC plans to hire over 200 local staff for the plant’s operations and expansion.
- Economic Savings: The lower tariff will translate into significant cost savings for the national economy.
- Environmental Impact: The enhanced operation will help reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 50,000 tons annually.
While the project faces challenges, including the need for an estimated $50 million in grid upgrades and managing currency volatility, the transfer is a clear indicator of progress. It aligns directly with Sierra Leone’s National Energy Policy (2024), which targets achieving 50% renewable energy in its national grid by 2030.
Operations at the Moyamba Solar Power Plant are reported to be continuing seamlessly through the transition. For the latest official updates on this and other energy initiatives, please refer to the Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy website at energy.gov.sl.
