MONROVIA, Liberia — The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has announced an ambitious, multi-layered energy strategy aimed at addressing persistent electricity shortages while laying the foundation for long-term energy security and economic growth.
The plan combines immediate interventions with large-scale infrastructure investments, including a fast-track 100-megawatt (MW) thermal power project, a 300MW combined-cycle gas plant in Buchanan, and two major hydropower developments—St. Paul 2 and St. John—expected to significantly expand Liberia’s generation capacity.
The initiative aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national target of achieving 700MW of installed electricity capacity by 2030, a benchmark aimed at stabilizing supply and supporting sustained economic development.
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Transformation
To address immediate supply gaps—particularly during the dry season when hydropower generation declines—the government is advancing a 100MW Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) plant in partnership with private sector actors, including MNG Mining Company. The project is expected to be operational within 12 months.
At the same time, authorities are pursuing a US$500 million, 300MW gas-fired power plant in Buchanan, which is projected to anchor Liberia’s long-term energy security and reduce dependence on imported electricity.
“This is about restoring confidence and building a future where electricity is no longer a constraint to national development,” said LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif. “We are taking decisive steps today to ensure Liberia has the reliable power it needs to grow its economy and improve lives.”
International Partnerships Drive Progress
In a significant step forward, LEC recently signed a term sheet in Washington, D.C. with U.S.-based Tarpeh Global Initiative (TGI), with technical support from Southern Company, one of the United States’ leading power producers.
The agreement, reached following a coordinated government effort involving multiple ministries and agencies, signals growing investor confidence in Liberia’s energy sector.
“This agreement sends a strong signal that Liberia is open for credible, large-scale investment,” said National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo. “The energy sector is central to unlocking growth, and this project represents a major step in that direction.”
Special Presidential Envoy Bedell Sandi emphasized the urgency of the government’s approach: “We understand the challenges people are facing today, and we are acting with urgency while keeping our eyes on long-term transformation.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond electricity generation, the Buchanan gas project is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and long-term employment opportunities in plant operations and support services. It will also promote skills transfer through partnerships with local universities and technical institutions.
“This project is about more than electricity; it is about unlocking Liberia’s economic potential,” said TGI CEO James T. Tarpeh II.
A Turning Point for Liberia’s Power Sector
With commercial operations for the Buchanan plant targeted for late 2029, the government says the combined energy projects will significantly transform Liberia’s electricity landscape.
“This is a turning point for Liberia’s energy sector,” Sherif added. “We are not only responding to today’s challenges; we are building a future where reliable electricity is a guarantee for every Liberian.”
Authorities are also advancing complementary investments in transmission expansion, smart metering, and system modernization to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Public Assurance
The government has acknowledged the ongoing hardships caused by electricity shortages and is urging public patience as reforms and infrastructure projects are implemented.
Officials say the strategy represents a clear pathway toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy—one that will strengthen Liberia’s economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
