Published: January 23, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development has outlined ambitious energy targets, but a leading expert has voiced concerns over the absence of detailed strategies to achieve them. Elkanah Al-Philips, a seasoned business development expert, commended the government’s vision but criticized the energy section of the plan for its vagueness and omission of key stakeholder roles.
The development plan sets lofty goals for the energy sector, aiming to expand electricity access to 35% of the population by 2030—up from the current 26%. Renewable energy consumption is targeted to reach 95% of the total energy mix, with rural electricity access projected to rise to 20% from 14.9% in 2022. The plan also includes rehabilitating and expanding energy infrastructure, particularly the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant (MCHPP), which is central to the country’s energy capacity.
Key interventions highlighted in the agenda include leveraging off-grid solar solutions to improve electricity access in remote areas, enhancing the electricity distribution network to reduce losses, and increasing the availability of affordable and reliable power for households, businesses, and industries.
However, Al-Philips expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these goals, citing a lack of clarity in the implementation framework. “What did I see or find? NOTHING but only four pages…without substance that speaks to the ‘Who, What, When, Where, Why, and HOW’ the key stakeholders in our energy sector will play a role to make this happen!” he stated. Al-Philips emphasized the need for a concrete, actionable plan to turn these ambitious goals into reality.
Critical Omission of Stakeholders
Al-Philips was particularly critical of the plan’s failure to outline the roles of key stakeholders such as TRANSCO-CLSG, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the Liberia Energy Regulatory Commission (LERC), and the private commercial banking sector. He argued that these entities are vital for financing, expertise, and infrastructure development in the energy sector. He also underscored the private sector’s role in advancing solar energy solutions, which he believes are critical for rural electrification.
Current Landscape
Liberia’s energy sector faces significant challenges but also offers opportunities. Traditional biomass, including firewood and charcoal, accounts for over 80% of the country’s energy consumption, while petroleum products contribute around 10%, and hydroelectric power just over 6%. Solar energy, though growing, remains a minor player in the energy mix.
The government has made notable strides in recent years, increasing energy supply from 201 MWh to 401 MWh over the past six years. The LEC reports an increase in electricity sales from 71.5 MWh to 204.7 MWh, alongside a reduction in technical and commercial losses from 66.5% to 50.7%. The electricity grid has been extended to underserved areas, including Gbarnga, Bong County, and Grand Cape Mount County. Currently, the LEC serves over 200,000 active prepaid customers and 150 active post-paid customers.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist. National electricity access remains at 26%, with significant urban-rural disparities. In Monrovia, access stands at 46.4%, compared to just 8% in rural areas. The reliance on biomass for cooking—93% of domestic energy use—illustrates the limited reach of the national grid. Seasonal instability in hydroelectric production, particularly during the dry season, exacerbates these issues, forcing many commercial consumers to rely on costly generators. While electricity tariffs have dropped from US$0.54/kWh to US$0.24/kWh, Liberia’s rates remain among the highest globally, placing a heavy financial burden on businesses and consumers.
Urgent Need for Collaboration
Al-Philips called for a more comprehensive roadmap for energy development, emphasizing the importance of private sector participation. “Private solar energy investments must be prioritized if we are to achieve universal access by 2030,” he said. He advocated for off-grid solar solutions as a cost-effective means to expand energy access, particularly for low-income households in remote areas.
He also stressed the need for stronger coordination among government agencies, international development partners, and the private sector to address barriers in energy infrastructure, regulation, and financing.
Discussion about this post