Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Inspects US$417m Nant Power Project As Sierra Leone Targets 2027 Power Boost

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has inspected the construction site of the 108.4-megawatt Nant Power Plant in Kissy, Freetown, where project officials assured him that the facility is on course to begin generating electricity in 2027.

The multi-fuel Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant, designed to utilise liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), represents a major investment in Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and a partnership involving the Government of Sierra Leone and United States-backed development financing.

During the inspection, the President received a briefing from Mr Karim Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of the Nant Power Project, formerly known as the Western Area Power Generation Project, and his technical team on the project’s construction progress, safety measures and planned operational facilities.

The approximately US$417 million project is being developed by TCQ Power and Anergi Group Plc. Its financing 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 developers.

Construction was officially launched in mid-2024, with first power generation targeted for September 2027. Upon completion, Siemens Energy is expected to operate the facility, while Shapoorji Pallonji is responsible for engineering and construction.

Mr Nasser also briefed President Bio on the plant’s safety arrangements, including plans to encapsulate three tanks with sand and concrete. The completed facility will include an administrative building, firefighting department, warehouse, security control room and other supporting infrastructure designed to strengthen operational safety and protect surrounding communities.

The President was further informed that Sierra Leoneans had undertaken the construction work at the site, while the project incorporates internationally sourced equipment and advanced treatment technology.

President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project and emphasised the importance of timely delivery as Sierra Leone works to strengthen its electricity supply and support economic activity.

Once operational, the 108.4 MW facility is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s power-generation capacity, supporting households, businesses and wider development priorities.