Sierra Leone Upgrades Grid ahead of 108-MW NANT Power Plant

Sierra Leone has begun upgrading part of its electricity network ahead of the planned integration of the 108.4 MW NANT power plant, a major addition to a power system where only slightly more than half of installed generation capacity is currently available.

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) said grid works will run from August 12 to 14 to prepare the network for the plant, which is under construction at Kissy in eastern Freetown.

The immediate work involves the 33 kV Blackhall Road-Ropoti sub-transmission line, which currently passes through the project site. EDSA plans to relocate the line and replace the affected section with an underground cable.

The new arrangement will provide a permanent connection between the Blackhall Road and Ropoti substations while clearing the project site for the power plant.

Grid readiness becomes critical as Sierra Leone adds generation

The network work is an important part of the NANT project because adding generating capacity does not automatically translate into more electricity reaching consumers.

Sierra Leone has about 271 MW of installed generation capacity, according to its National Energy Compact, but just over 140 MW is effectively available. Against that backdrop, the 108.4 MW NANT plant would represent a substantial increase in the country's available supply once it begins operating.

The plant is being developed by CECA SL Generation, with financial close reached in November 2024. Financing includes $292 million in debt from the US International Development Finance Corporation, $40 million from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development and $85 million in equity from TCQ Power and Anergi.

The first electricity deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2027.

The scale of the project also places greater importance on transmission and distribution infrastructure capable of receiving and moving the additional power. EDSA's decision to begin modifying the network before the plant is completed reflects that requirement.

Sierra Leone is targeting a much larger expansion of its electricity system under Mission 300, with installed capacity expected to reach 1.12 GW by 2030, compared with 271 MW currently. Electricity access is also targeted to increase from about 36% to 78%.

The NANT project represents more than a new generating facility. Its eventual contribution to Sierra Leone's electricity supply will depend on whether the supporting grid can keep pace with the country's generation ambitions.