WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a major push to expand access to clean and reliable electricity, the Government of Liberia has signed a landmark agreement with Scatec Release for the construction of a 23.75-megawatt peak (MWp) solar power plant with 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage. The project, to be located at the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Shefflin site in Margibi County, is expected to be completed in 64 weeks.
The signing ceremony took place on October 14, 2025, at the headquarters of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives of the IFC, Scatec Release, the Government of Liberia, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
The agreement was formalized by Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif on behalf of Liberia, and Scatec Release CEO Hans Olav Kvalvaag on behalf of the company.
A Milestone for Liberia’s Energy Future
Finance Minister Ngafuan hailed the signing as a “critical milestone” in the country’s energy transition strategy.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt thanks to Scatec Release, LEC, the IFC, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy for their tireless work in making this vision a reality,” he said.
He emphasized that reliable electricity remains a cornerstone of Liberia’s Agenda for Accelerated Inclusive Development (AAID). Under the Liberia Energy Compact, the government aims to achieve 75% electricity access by 2030 through strategic investments in renewable energy, in collaboration with partners like the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“It is an ambitious goal, but we are not doing it alone,” Minister Ngafuan added. “Projects like this prove that Liberia is moving from pledges to power; turning the lights on in places like Rivercess and Grand Kru after decades in the dark.”
Lease-to-Own Model to Strengthen Energy Sovereignty
LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif described the deal as “a defining step in Liberia’s pursuit of energy sovereignty.”
“Today’s signing represents far more than a commercial transaction. It is about a future where our nation generates and sustains its own power with resilience and dignity,” he stated.
The project will be developed under a lease-to-own model, enabling LEC to scale generation capacity without heavy upfront investment while ensuring eventual ownership by the Liberian people.
Sherif underscored that the initiative aligns with LEC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which focuses on five key pillars:
- Financial Sustainability
- Operational Excellence
- Customer-Centric Service
- Governance and Institutional Effectiveness
- Digital Transformation
“As we sign this agreement, we are not merely adding megawatts to the grid,” Sherif said. “We are illuminating homes, powering industries, and fueling Liberia’s next chapter of inclusive growth.”
Clean Energy at the Heart of Development
The 23.75 MWp solar power plant with battery storage is expected to improve grid stability, reduce dependence on costly fossil fuels, and help bridge the gap in rural electrification. Once operational, it will contribute significantly to lowering generation costs and boosting productivity across key economic sectors.
Liberia’s partnership with Scatec Release is part of a broader shift across Africa toward renewable energy solutions to drive sustainable development and climate resilience.
This project, officials say, is not just about adding power; it is about changing the energy narrative for millions of Liberians.
🟡 Editor’s Note:
This story is part of BanaBridge News’ ongoing coverage of Liberia’s energy and infrastructure development under the Boakai Administration’s Agenda for Accelerated Inclusive Development.
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