West African nation, Liberia is set to inaugurate its first large-scale solar power plant in October 2025, a key step in the country’s energy supply and reliance on hydropower.
The initiative aims to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity across West Africa.
The 20-megawatt (MW) solar farm, located in Grand Bassa County, is part of the World Bank-funded Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE).
The project will add 106MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and install battery energy storage systems to increase energy generation in the region.
It will also expand hydro capacity by 41MW to strengthen existing power infrastructure.
The plan will upgrade transmission and distribution networks across Chad, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, improving grid reliability.
Solar energy investment
The project, executed by ICC Offshore and launched by President Joseph Boakai in October 2024, is financed with $96 million allocated specifically for Liberia.
The financing covers the construction of the Grand Bassa solar project, which will serve as Liberia’s first large-scale renewable energy facility.
It also supports the expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant to boost the country’s generation capacity.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah confirmed that major works such as solar panel installation are already underway.
Grid expansion to boost electricity access
Piah further noted that the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which has been out of service since July 2021, is undergoing repairs.
It is expected to resume operation by May 2026 with a generation capacity of 22MW.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP) is working to connect 80 communities in Brewerville City, and other parts of the country.
The project is 80% complete and is expected to conclude by December 2025, after which a second phase will expand connections to other communities.
Boosting West Africa’s power capacity
The Liberia Project Dashboard (LPD) reports that RESPITE will significantly enhance grid-connected renewable energy capacity.
The project will deliver 106MW of solar PV with battery storage and expand hydro capacity by 41MW.
It will also upgrade transmission and distribution infrastructure in Liberia, Chad, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
The plan also provides technical assistance to the West African Power Pool (WAPP) to improve regional grid operations and enhance institutional capacity.
RESPITE is part of the World Bank’s strategy to address regional power shortages, reduce dependence on heavy fuel oil and diesel.
Under the National Energy Compact, unveiled at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in early 2025.
Liberia aims to provide electricity access to 100,000 households annually through both grid and off-grid solutions,
The project is aimed at reaching a national electricity access rate of 75% by 2030.
Liberia plans to raise renewable energy’s share from 67% to 75% and expand generation capacity by 150%.
It also targets $70 million in private investment for large-scale solar and up to $100 million for distributed renewables and clean cooking.
Currently, only 32.7% of Liberia’s 5.56 million population has access to electricity, with 25% connected to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and 7.7% on off-grid sources.
Liberia’s 20MW solar project initiatives, highlights the nation’s commitment to achieving energy security and economic growth.
