By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) Samuel B. Nagbe, has outlined plans to advance renewable energy access in Liberia, emphasizing the agency’s pivotal role in accelerating economic transformation through clean energy solutions.
Director Nagbe spoke on November 21, at the Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism regular press briefing stating that the Agency was established in 2010 by an Executive Order from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the RREA was formally enshrined into law in 2015 to foster the development of renewable energy in rural Liberia.
“Our goal is clear, to promote the commercial development and supply of modern energy services to rural areas through private sector involvement and community initiatives,” Nagbe said.
Director Nagbe further pointed, “By 2030, we aim to ensure universal access to electricity, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 7 for affordable and clean energy.”
According to him, the agency’s vision is to become the leading promoter of renewable energy technologies, prioritizing locally available renewable sources. “This includes solar, wind, and hydropower to address Liberia’s energy access challenges,”
He maintained that RREA is focusing on both off-grid solutions and energy efficiency, critical for rural communities that are far from the national grid.
Director Nagbe disclosed further that the Agency has already launched several major projects to increase energy access. Among them is the Liberia Renewable Energy Access Project (LIRENA), which seeks to provide solar mini-grids and standalone solar systems to underserved regions. “We are committed to making clean, affordable energy available, especially for remote communities where conventional grid electricity is not viable,” Nagbe explained.
He explained that one of the agency’s flagship initiatives is the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening Access Project (LESSAP), which aims to solarize health centers, install streetlights in rural areas, and improve infrastructure.
Nagbe pointed out that this project has already seen tangible results with over 100 solar streetlights installed in communities in Grand Kru, River Gee, and Lofa counties.
He noted that the RREA is working to provide electricity to 10,000 households in rural Lofa County through a mini-hydro power plant, despite some technical challenges along the way.
He emphasized that the agency is also focusing on clean cooking solutions, a key aspect of renewable energy development. “Cooking gas and efficient cook stoves will replace harmful traditional cooking methods, reducing deforestation and environmental damage,” said Nagbe.
“By 2030, the RREA plans to distribute 250,000 efficient cook stoves nationwide, alongside initiatives to increase affordable access to cooking gas,” he revealed.
He further explained that RREA aligns its efforts with global, regional, and national policies, such as the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy and Liberia’s national energy commitments under the Agenda for Transformation (AFT).
However, Nagbe emphasized that achieving these goals requires robust financial and governmental support. “We need more investment in the energy sector, particularly from the national budget, to bridge the funding gaps we face,” he said.
Despite receiving support from international partners like the World Bank, Nagbe added that RREA still faces challenges in securing full financial backing for many projects.
Director Nagbe said RREA is actively preparing to submit a compact proposal for the Mission 300 initiative, a program launched by the World Bank and African Development Bank aiming to provide electricity to 300,000 African households by 2030.
He disclosed Liberia is among the first 11 countries chosen to present proposals for this initiative, noting that it is a significant opportunity for expanding Liberia’s renewable energy access.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment, we can meet our goal of providing energy access to all Liberians by 2030, ensuring sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of rural communities,” Nagbe concluded.
