By Festus Poquie
Liberian authorities have reached deals with a Ghanaian firm to develop the hydropower potential of the country’s second largest river, aiming to quadruple current energy generating capacity.
Arthur Energy Africa, an energy consulting firm based in Accra-Ghana entered memorandum of understanding with officials 0n Dec. 30 to conduct comprehensive studies along the St. John River Basin, a statement shared by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Authority said Monday.
The company has agreed to fund the studies and secure the necessary financing for the development, construction, and operation of the hydropower projects, the regulator said.
“The hydropower study aims to identify opportunities and prepare plans to reduce Liberia’s electricity deficit while fostering long-term partnerships in the renewable energy sector.
“This collaborative effort will lay the foundation for multiple hydro power plants along the St. John River, positioning Liberia to meet its energy needs sustainably. The study will focus on a 193 km stretch of the St. John River Basin from the Nuan (Nuehn) River Confluence to the Atlantic Ocean.”
Saint John is one of Liberia’s six main rivers that originates in Guinea, northwest of the Nimba Range, and flows southwest through Liberia into the Atlantic Ocean at Bassa Cove near Edina in Grand Bassa County.
Officials didn’t say how much the project would cost. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, Managing Partner of the company assured authorities that his team is confident that the project will come to fruition in the shortest possible time.
“The St. John River holds tremendous potential, and we are committed to working diligently to bring it to life. Our goal is to generate approximately 300 Megawatts of electricity from different locations along the river, and we are also developing strategies to address seasonal generation challenges, particularly during the dry season,” he said.
The country has committed to the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy by 2030.
However, the current trajectory suggests that this objective will remain elusive unless Liberia embarks on a bold reform agenda, the World Bank said in a 2024 report.
“Liberia’s energy sector is simply not keeping pace with the country’s development aspirations. Persistent power supply deficits, operational inefficiencies, and limited private investment are all conspiring to undermine the country’s path to prosperity.”
The data paints a stark picture. While overall access to electricity has improved from less than 10% a decade ago to 30% today, this progress has been uneven. Urban areas have seen a surge in electrification, with access reaching 50%. In contrast, rural communities continue to lag, with only 8% of the population connected to the grid.
