VOINJAMA, Lofa County — The Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) is nearing the completion of a major electricity generation and distribution project in Lower Lofa County, with nearly 99% of the first phase now complete.
The RREA announced that installation of 1.8-megawatt diesel generators, along with transformers and fuel storage facilities, is almost finished in Bawala Village, just outside Voinjama. The milestone marks a critical step in expanding reliable electricity access to the region.
The second phase of the project, set to begin on July 1, 2025, will feature the installation of 4-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic modules combined with 9 megawatt-hours (MWh) of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Located on the outskirts of Voinjama, the hybrid power setup will integrate solar, storage and diesel generation into a centralized energy solution for Lower Lofa County.
“The combination of the mini solar grid and BESS with the 1.8MW diesel generators will be the main energy source for our network in Lower Lofa County,” an RREA spokesperson said.
Extensive Distribution Network Completed
Beyond generation infrastructure, the RREA has completed the construction of a comprehensive electricity distribution network. Approximately 350 kilometers of medium and low-voltage power lines are now in place to connect over 10,000 homes across key areas including Voinjama, Foya, Kolahun, Bolahun and Massabolahun.
The agency also confirmed that all towns and villages located between these main centers will be included in the connectivity plan, ensuring widespread electricity access for rural communities.
Shift to Solar Following Hydropower Challenges
The hybrid model represents a strategic shift in the RREA’s approach to rural electrification. Initial plans to develop a 2.3MW hydropower plant on the Kahai River in Mbaloma were scrapped due to “increased cost overruns that resulted from unforeseen design issues and geotechnical challenges.” According to the agency, these issues rendered the project’s cost-per-megawatt ratio economically unviable.
The 4MWp solar installation and 9MWh battery storage system are expected to be completed within 10 months.
Procurement and Funding
Within the next two weeks, the RREA will launch a procurement process to hire an operations and maintenance contractor. This firm will act as the primary off-taker and distributor of the electricity generated under the new system.
The entire project is funded through the Liberia Renewable Energy Access Project (LIRENAP), supported by a $25 million grant from the World Bank and a $2 million loan from the International Development Association (IDA), provided through the Government of Liberia.
The broader aim of the project is to increase access to affordable, reliable electricity while promoting the use of renewable energy in underserved regions like Lower Lofa County.
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