By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has urged the government to shift away from fossil fuel-based energy solutions and instead embrace renewable energy sources.
Speaking at the closing session of the Two-Day Energy Sector Coordination retreat in Gompa, Nimba County, Yarkpawolo highlighted the environmental, economic, and efficiency benefits of clean energy.
The retreat, held at Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s farm, convened top government officials including VP Koung himself to develop strategies for addressing Liberia’s energy challenges.
Yarkpawolo commended President Joseph Boakai for establishing a high-level committee to tackle the electricity crisis and praised the Vice President for organizing the retreat.
“The EPA remains supportive of the decisions made here but strongly cautions against shifting towards fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change,” he warned.
He emphasized Liberia’s potential to harness renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power, stressing that any energy strategy must not only address the current crisis but also ensure sustainability for future generations.
“The world is moving towards clean energy, and Liberia should not be left behind. As a regulatory institution, the EPA supports privatization in the electricity sector because private companies are easier to regulate and ensure compliance with environmental laws compared to government institutions,” he stated.
Yarkpawolo cited Jungle Energy Power (JEP) as a successful model in electricity distribution and announced the introduction of a groundbreaking Atmospheric Wind Extractor (AWE) technology by a California-based company.
He revealed that company representatives are expected in Liberia this month to explore potential partnerships. “This technology can generate electricity even with very low wind speeds.”
He also advocated for incentives to encourage independent power producers, particularly through net-metering—a system that allows individuals and businesses to supply excess electricity to the national grid.
“I have solar panels at my house, and during the day, I generate more electricity than I need. With net-metering, I could send my excess electricity to the grid and use it at night, reducing the burden on LEC,” he explained.
He further disclosed that Novasphere, a Canadian energy company, is collaborating with the EPA, Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), and other agencies to pilot a net-metering policy in the country.
Vice President Koung emphasized President Boakai’s dedication to solving Liberia’s energy crisis, urging experts to contribute ideas and recommendations.
“President Boakai takes the issue of electricity very seriously. That’s why we are here today, bringing together key government agencies and private sector players to find solutions,” he stated.
He added, “But this is not just about the government. Every Liberian with knowledge in this sector should come forward and share their recommendations.”
Key government institutions leading the dialogue include the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Electricity Corporation, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies are working to develop a comprehensive four-year energy strategy.
The retreat follows President Boakai’s issuance of Executive Order No. 137 in October 2024, establishing a High-Level Steering Committee to oversee major renewable energy projects, including the St. Paul River 2nd Hydro Power Plant Project (SP2) and a Solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) initiative.
Koung reiterated the administration’s commitment to advancing Liberia’s renewable energy sector and stressed the need for effective policies to create a stable and efficient power system.
He noted that while numerous reports have identified Liberia’s energy challenges, concrete actions remain insufficient.
“Liberia must prioritize implementing policies that will lead to a stable and efficient power sector,” he urged.
The Vice President pointed to privatization as a viable option, encouraging policymakers to explore partnerships to ensure reliable electricity for Liberians.
He praised Jungle Energy Power for maintaining stable electricity in Nimba County since 2015, noting that the company has minimized power outages except in cases of natural disruptions.
However, Koung also expressed concern over electricity theft, which remains a major challenge.
He highlighted reports of some Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) employees engaging in illegal activities that undermine service delivery.
“We must ensure accountability and implement stricter measures to curb electricity theft. Liberia must fully own its energy future,” he stressed.
Discussions centered on various energy solutions, with participants reaching a consensus on prioritizing clean and renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power. They agreed that sustainable energy policies are essential for Liberia’s long-term economic growth and environmental protection.
