President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reminded the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security that his aim is to position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for energy and an agricultural powerhouse.

He said he is targeting an investment for a 1GW generation capacity over the next 10-15 years to allow Sierra Leone to trade energy with its neighbours.

Sierra Leone presently derives majority of its energy needs from biomass, mainly fuelwood and charcoal.
Government’s data says only 36 percent of the country’s over eight million population have access to electricity, which is erratic in supply at best.

The Plan which was unveiled at the first ever national dialogue on just energy transition months back envisages a country that produces enough energy to meet its needs and to export the excess to neighbouring countries.

“Our ambitious energy plan will help us create wealth and provide access to renewable and sustainable energy for all,” said President Bio at the event dubbed: ‘National Dialogue on Just Energy Transition, Climate Resilience and Food Security.’

Sierra Leone is seeking to create one gigawatt (1GW) energy generation capacity over the next 10-15 years, according to the president.