How can Liberia improve energy security?

One strategy is to diversify the energy mix by increasing the share of domestic renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for electricity generation. By harnessing these indigenous and sustainable energy resources, Liberia can decrease its reliance on imported fuels and enhance its energy security.

How much energy does Liberia need?

Liberia currently has adequate generating capacity to meet its short to medium term needs. With the support of development partners, the Mt Coffee Hydropower Plant (88 MW), three heavy fuel oil (HFO) thermal plants (38 MW) (which are cheaper alternatives to HSDG), and 16200m3 of HFO storage and transport facilities have been completed.

What are the challenges to energy access in Liberia?

The primary challenge to energy access in Liberia is the limited and underdeveloped energy infrastructure. The lack of adequate power generation, transmission, and distribution systems contributes to this low access rate. The electrification rate is significantly lower in rural areas, where most of the population resides .

How can Liberia reduce its dependency on imported fuels?

To overcome these challenges, Liberia has been exploring alternative solutions to reduce its dependency on imported fuels for thermal power generation. One strategy is to diversify the energy mix by increasing the share of domestic renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for electricity generation.

What is the installed power capacity of Liberia?

Recently, Liberia's installed electricity capacity reached ∼200 MW. Most of this capacity comes from HFO and diesel power plants, with limited contributions from hydroelectric and biomass sources . Fig. 2 provides an overview of the installed capacity trend available as an alternative to the grid-based approach and the needs they meet. Fig. 2.

How does Liberia import electricity?

3.2. Imported electricity Liberia imports electricity from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea through the West African Power Pool (WAPP) interconnection , which involved 650 km of 225 kV transmission lines , with a transit capacity of ≤290 MW – making it the largest source of imported electricity for the country in 2020.