Sierra Leone’s efforts to boost clean energy have made significant strides with the installation of hybrid mini-grids. InfraCo Africa and PowerGen Renewable Energy have been key players in these initiatives, aiming to enhance energy access across the country.
Since 2019, the two organizations have collaborated under the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP), funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID). This partnership has led to the development of 41 hybrid mini-grids, combining solar PV, battery, and diesel power, which have successfully connected over 13,000 homes and businesses to clean energy.
The latest phase of this project includes an additional commitment of $1.2 million by InfraCo Africa to extend the mini-grid network. This expansion, supported by the Universal Energy Facility (UEF), aims to deliver approximately 1,660 new connections across eight sites. The UEF, a results-based financing facility, incentivizes developers to accelerate clean energy access, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the Paris Agreement.
This initiative not only improves electricity access but also fosters economic growth, enhances healthcare, and supports education in rural communities. The success of these mini-grids demonstrates the viability of hybrid systems in delivering sustainable energy solutions and sets a precedent for future projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
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