By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a significant move towards bolstering human capital development and agricultural growth through sustainable means, Sierra Leone has welcomed Nord Solar Green Energy, an Estonian-based company specializing in solar energy solutions. The initiative of facilitating the coming of the delegation was spearheaded by Sorie Obai Kamara, the Head of Sierra Leone Consulate Planning Office in Finland, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK as well as the Resident Minister, North-West Region in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie and their aim is to revolutionize the country’s energy sector by harnessing solar power for irrigation systems nationwide.
The Nord Solar Green Energy’s delegation, led by Martin Porman, a Solar engineer, and accompanied by Her Excellency Yvonne King, the Sierra Leone Deputy High Commissioner in UK, arrived in the country on Monday, January 15, 2024 and was received by Abdul Karim Sesay , the representative of the Sierra Leone Consulate Planning Office in Sierra Leone. The delegation engaged in a series of meetings aimed at exploring avenues for integrating solar energy into Sierra Leone’s energy landscape.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Nord Solar Green Energy held a presentation meeting with the Ministry of Energy and its technical team. Martin Porman highlighted the company’s expertise in the installation and maintenance of solar panels, emphasizing their commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions tailored to the needs of various sectors, including industries, Government entities and private businesses. He underscored the potential of off-grid solar parks to bolster the economy particularly in Sub-Saharan countries which according to him have abundant sunlight.
Paying a courtesy visit to, the Energy Minister Alhaji Kanja Sesay, warmly welcomed them lauding their effort of trying to collaborate with his Ministry. The Minister reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, citing the country’s participation in the Paris Treaty on Climate Change as a testament to its dedication to environmental sustainability.
Sierra Leone’s energy transition aligns with its national development agenda, with a focus on achieving 85 percent renewable energy capacity by 2030, supported by initiatives such as the World Bank. Minister Kanja Sesay emphasized the urgent need for foreign investment in the energy sector to address the country’s energy deficit, which significantly hampers its development efforts.
The delegation also held discussions with the Management of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to explore collaborative strategies for improving the country’s power sector. Currently, Sierra Leone’s energy capacity stands at less than 150 MW, serving less than 150,000 customers. The cost of electricity is heavily subsidized, but the country grapples with unstable and unreliable power supply, leading to significant unmet domestic demand and losses in electricity transmission and distribution.
The collaboration between Nord Solar Green Energy and Sierra Leone is envisaged as a significant step towards harnessing renewable energy to address the country’s energy challenges.
With a shared commitment to sustainability and development, both parties are poised to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s energy landscape and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
