The Ministry of Mines and Energy has announced significant progress on the cross-border interconnection project, known as CLSG, aimed at enhancing electricity access across the Mano River Union countries—Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
The initiative, which includes the construction of a 1,357-kilometer double circuit high voltage line, is considered crucial for economic development in the region.
During a recent assessment tour of the Buchanan and Mano substations in Grand Bassa and Cape Mount Counties, Deputy Energy Minister Charles Umehai emphasized the importance of these facilities in strengthening Liberia’s national power grid.
“Energy efficiency remains a priority under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, and we are committed to establishing state-of-the-art transmission infrastructures to fully utilize the power produced here,” Umehai stated.
Concerns were raised about the potential involvement of Independent Power Providers (IPPs) in power transport. Engineer Mohammed Sow from TRANSCO-Liberia, which constructed the substations, indicated that compliant service providers could connect to the grids to provide electricity to local communities.
He stated, “Our systems are equipped for integration, and we welcome partnerships that benefit the public.”
Each of the new substations occupies 10 acres and is capable of producing 40 megawatts of electricity, aside from the Mount Coffee hydro power plant, which generates 70 megawatts.
The national grid receives power from the Yekepa station, which is then distributed through Buchanan to surrounding areas, including Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Umehai assured citizens that their electricity needs are a government priority, with steps being taken to ensure the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is equipped to deliver power effectively.
He reiterated President Boakai’s commitment to sustainable and reliable electricity as part of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
Furthermore, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need for greater participation of Liberians in the staffing of the sub-stations.
He called for TRANSCO to implement training and mentorship programs to ensure that local electrical engineers gain the experience needed to manage and maintain substation operations.
This initiative is part of a larger vision by Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye, who aims to implement transformative reforms in the energy and mining sectors to ensure greater accountability and revenue generation for the country.