By Bill W. Cooper
President Joseph Boakai has officially broken grounds for Liberia’s first-ever solar farm in Harrisburg, Montserrado County, valued at US$90 million, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s energy sector.
With funding from the World Bank, the project is expected to generate 20 megawatts (MW) of electricity by its completion in August 2025 as well as also expected to house 30,000 advanced solar panels, producing 30 gigawatts of renewable energy annually with about 25 hectares.
Liberia has long faced critical energy shortages since the end of the country’s 14 years of civil war which greatly affected the nation infrastructures, with the national grid failing to meet the growing demand.
Also, the country’s heavy reliance on the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant leaves the grid vulnerable, especially during the dry season, when water levels decrease, and despite progress since the plant’s rehabilitation, many areas still experience no electricity.
Businesses and households often depend on costly, inefficient diesel generators to fill the gap but the solar farm is expected to help reduce the strain on the hydropower system by providing a stable, year-round supply of electricity.
It is 52 advanced inverters, four smart transformers, and 500 meters of underground wiring which will further improve the efficiency and resilience of the electricity grid, as the project also includes real-time monitoring systems to ensure optimal performance.
Officially breaking grounds for the project over the weekend, President Boakai highlighted the project’s importance and said, “This solar farm represents a significant leap forward for our energy sector.”
He disclosed that beyond addressing energy shortages, the solar farm is to deliver significant economic benefits, and asserted, “It is not just an investment in technology but in our future, providing reliable power for all Liberians.”
Boakai also revealed that the project will create hundreds of construction jobs, along with long-term employment opportunities in operations and maintenance of Liberians especially the youthful population of the country.
According to him, the US$2 million grant tied to the project will support local solar firms, that will encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector of Liberia.
“Access to consistent power will reduce costs for companies and households alike; It will foster investment and drive growth in our economy, while also lifting the burden of high energy costs for everyday Liberians,” he maintained.
The President further revealed that businesses, which have long struggled with unreliable power in the country in recent years, will now benefit from more affordable and stable electricity.
He also said in rural areas, where many families rely on kerosene for lighting and cooking, the solar farm is expected to bring much-needed access to reliable electricity, improving quality of life and lowering household expenses.
President Boakai has at the same time, emphasized the broader significance of the solar project for the country’s energy future, noting, “This is a critical step in reducing our dependence on imported fuels and moving toward energy independence.”
He added that the project will not only address Liberian current energy challenges that has grappled the country for years but will also position Liberia as a leader in renewable energy for the future.
Earlier, the CEO of Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), Monie Captan, said the project which will be completed in 2025, is poised to make a lasting impact on Liberia’s energy sector.
CEO Captan also narrated that the initiative will further help to meet the growing power demands, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and driving economic growth across the country, especially during the dry season.
The LEC Boss also emphasized the importance of clean energy in driving economic growth and improving living standards, adding, “This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and attract foreign investment.”
