By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy, Cyril Arnold Grant, has assured citizens that the Government is taking concrete steps to address persistent electricity challenges, with several major energy projects expected to significantly improve power supply across the country.
Speaking during the Weekly Government Press Conference held on 9th June 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, the Minister addressed growing public concerns over frequent electricity interruptions, particularly in the capital city.
Cyril Arnold Grant explained that the recent blackouts were largely caused by seasonal reductions in water levels at the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam and the annual maintenance of one of its turbines.
He disclosed that the maintenance work has now been completed, allowing Bumbuna to generate between 9 and 10 megawatts of electricity. He added that Karpowership and thermal generation facilities are continuing to supplement the national grid to help stabilize electricity supply.
The Minister acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the outages but assured the public that Government is implementing both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation.
Cyril Arnold Grant announced that President Julius Maada Bio is expected to commission the completed 30-megawatt solar power project at Newton on 10th June 2026.
According to the Minister, the project includes a 15-megawatt battery storage system that will strengthen electricity supply to the Freetown network and improve the reliability of the national grid.
He further revealed that a 20-megawatt solar power project is currently under construction at Benguema, while another 10-megawatt solar generation facility is being developed in Lungi under the Regional Emergency Solar Project.
The Minister emphasized that renewable energy investments are central to Government’s strategy to diversify the country’s energy mix and reduce dependence on a single source of power generation.
Highlighting other key developments, Cyril Arnold Grant disclosed that the Nant Energy Project remains on schedule, with turbine equipment already delivered to the project site.
He said the project is expected to generate 60 megawatts of electricity during its first phase in the first quarter of 2027 before expanding to 108 megawatts later that year.
The Minister also announced that Government has signed agreements valued at approximately 70 million United States dollars to expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project. The expansion is expected to add between 50 and 60 megawatts of additional generation capacity, maximizing the use of available water resources during the rainy season.
He noted that those projects will significantly strengthen the country’s electricity generation capacity and improve power supply, particularly in Freetown and other urban centres.
Cyril Arnold Grant expressed confidence that substantial improvements in electricity supply will begin to materialize in the first quarter of 2027 as several generation projects become operational.
He stressed that Government is not only increasing electricity generation but is also investing heavily in substations, transmission lines, transformers and distribution infrastructure to ensure that the additional power reaches homes and businesses efficiently.
“Without power, we know we will not get investors to come and invest, build industries and create employment for our people,” the Minister said.
He concluded that reliable electricity remains a critical pillar for attracting investment, supporting businesses, creating jobs and driving Sierra Leone’s long-term economic growth and development.
