Energy
Most of Sierra Leone's energy demand is not met. Generation has been separated from transmission and distribution, and private partners are invited to build and meter.
The gap
The opportunity
Demand will keep rising as the country industrialises, as large mining projects open, and as Sierra Leone joins the West Africa Power Pool. Power generation has been unbundled from transmission and distribution, so private companies can take part in generation and metering. Independent power producers can sell to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority for commercial and household use.
The Government also promotes energy investment at company level. Mining companies, for example, are encouraged to work with private investors to meet their own power needs. The Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone helps to bring these investments about.
Where to invest
Solar
Sierra Leone receives about 1,460 kWh per square metre each year. There is room for grid-connected generation and for mini-grids.
Wind
Wind farms are possible on the coast, offshore and in hilly areas. Low-wind-speed turbines make rural electrification feasible, especially in the north.
Hydropower
With about 2,500 mm of rain a year, hydropower is a key source. The Government is promoting feasibility studies for about six hydropower projects.
Bioenergy
Biomass is already the country's largest energy source. Crops such as maize and cassava could make biofuels, and waste could yield biogas and methane.
Transmission and distribution
The long-term plan includes extending the rural grid, off-grid supply and distributed generation for settlements that have no power.
Why Sierra Leone
Strong demand
Global renewable capacity grew 45% in 2020, led by a 90% rise in wind. Sierra Leone's new energy strategy supports growing demand.
Better infrastructure
Power links with Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia and Guinea are complete, which opens the West Africa Power Pool. The road network is about 11,000 km, Freetown has the main port, and Lungi has a new airport.
Workforce
The labour force is forecast at 3 million by 2024. NIB reports that labour for jobs such as wind turbine technicians and engineers is 50% to 70% cheaper than in comparable African countries.
Stable climate
Sierra Leone is one of Africa's most peaceful countries, 46th of 163 in the Global Peace Index.
Figures are taken from NIB's sector report and its sources, which date mostly from 2019 to 2021. The full report gives each source and year.