Sierra Leone is home to 8.6 million people, of which only 27 percent of its population has access to electricity. Sierra Leone has implemented one of the most progressive and ambitious solar mini-grid portfolios in the African continent with nearly 100 mini-grids in operation.
In 2021 and 2023, NRECA International developed and implemented Medium Voltage distribution safety and operations training for PowerGen Renewable Energy and Energicity, two of the leading mini-grid operators in Sierra Leone, operating over 70 mini-grids in total. PowerGen, a Kenyan company, has the largest operating fleet of mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa. Based in the U.S., Energicity is a leading mini grid developer, installer, and operator in West Africa. The NRECA International team provided safety and operations training to increase local knowledge and expertise in operating medium voltage infrastructure for solar mini-grids. Safety and Operations Manuals were developed as part of the training program. NRECA International’s lineman trainers traveled to Sierra Leone to conduct in-person training for Energicity’s lineworkers and covered hands-on technical and safety topics. NRECA has also been instrumental in diagnosing and rectifying electrical hazards in MV distribution networks.
In 2018, NRECA International prepared a transmission and distribution investment plan to be used by the Government of Sierra Leone to expand reliable electricity services to Freetown, the country’s regional capitals, and rural areas of Sierra Leone. Funded by the World Bank, this project will ultimately support a larger expansion plan that will serve the capital and the entire country.
Partners
- World Bank
- Sierra Leone Ministry of Energy
- PowerGen Renewable Energy
- Energicity