The government has announced a major renewable energy partnership with Scatec, a Norwegian renewable energy company, to develop a 40-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Kamakwei township, Kerenne District. The project forms part of broader efforts to stabilise the national electricity grid while expanding access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy in Sierra Leone’s northern region.
According to official statements, the solar plant will use a fast-track, modular, and containerised design, allowing for rapid deployment and flexibility in operations. Once completed, the facility is expected to inject significant capacity into the national grid, reducing pressure on existing power sources and limiting reliance on costly and environmentally damaging fossil fuels.
The Kamakwei project is also expected to deliver direct socio-economic benefits to the host community. Improved electricity supply is projected to support local businesses, enhance healthcare delivery, and strengthen educational institutions by ensuring more stable power for schools and training centres. Government officials say the initiative aligns with national development priorities aimed at promoting inclusive growth, regional balance, and energy security.
Scatec, which has implemented similar renewable energy projects across Africa, brings technical expertise and international investment experience to the project. The company’s involvement is seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s renewable energy potential and regulatory framework.
Residents of Kamakwei have welcomed the project, describing it as a long-awaited intervention that could transform daily life and economic opportunities. Authorities say the solar plant represents a critical step toward a cleaner energy mix, climate resilience, and long-term sustainable development for the northern region and the country as a whole.
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