President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has inspected the construction site of the US$417 million Nant Power Project in Kissy, Freetown, as Sierra Leone moves closer to a major expansion of its electricity generation capacity, with the 108.4-megawatt facility expected to begin operations in September 2027.
The inspection, conducted on Friday, 16 October 2026, provided the President with an opportunity to assess progress on one of the country’s major energy infrastructure investments and receive assurances from project officials regarding its scheduled completion.
The Nant Power Plant, formerly known as the Western Area Power Generation Project, is a multi-fuel Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility designed to utilize liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The project is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electricity generation capacity, improve energy reliability and support industrial and commercial activities.
During the visit, President Bio received a comprehensive briefing from the Chief Executive Officer of the Nant Power Project, Karim Nasser, and members of his technical team, who outlined the progress achieved, ongoing construction activities, safety arrangements and preparations for the facility’s eventual operation.
The approximately US$417 million project is being developed by TCQ Power and Anergi Group Plc, with substantial financial backing from international development partners. Its financing structure includes a US$292 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a US$40 million loan from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and equity contributions from the project developers.
Construction officially commenced in mid-2024, with the first phase of electricity generation scheduled for September 2027. Upon completion, Siemens Energy is expected to operate the facility, while Shapoorji Pallonji is responsible for engineering and construction.
Briefing the President on the project’s safety standards, Karim Nasser explained that comprehensive measures were being incorporated into the facility to protect workers, surrounding communities and critical infrastructure.
He disclosed that three tanks would be encapsulated with sand and concrete as part of the project’s safety arrangements. The completed plant will also feature an administrative building, a dedicated firefighting department, a warehouse, a security control room and other essential facilities to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The President was further informed that Sierra Leonean workers had been actively involved in construction activities, demonstrating the project’s contribution to local employment and skills development.
Although the facility incorporates internationally sourced equipment and advanced treatment technology, the participation of Sierra Leonean workers highlights opportunities for local involvement in major infrastructure development.
President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project, emphasizing the importance of completing the facility within the agreed timeframe.
He underscored the critical role of reliable electricity in stimulating economic growth, attracting investment, strengthening industrial productivity and improving the living conditions of Sierra Leoneans.
The Nant Power Project forms part of broader efforts to address the country’s longstanding electricity challenges, which have continued to affect households, businesses and essential public services.
Once operational, the 108.4MW facility is expected to make a substantial contribution to national electricity generation, particularly in the Western Area, where increasing population growth and commercial activities have placed considerable pressure on existing power infrastructure.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for businesses and industries that depend on stable electricity to maintain production, expand operations and generate employment.
With September 2027 identified as the target for initial electricity generation, the successful delivery of the Nant Power Plant could represent an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a more reliable and sustainable energy sector.
President Bio’s latest inspection reinforces the Government’s focus on accelerating strategic infrastructure investments and ensuring that major development projects translate into tangible economic and social benefits for the people of Sierra Leone.
