Solar Mini-Grid Developers

Solar Mini-Grid Developers

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Solar Mini-Grid Developers

Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy
Sub Sector
Most major industry classification systems use sources of revenue as their basis for classifying companies into specific sectors, subsectors and industries. In order to group like companies based on their sustainability-related risks and opportunities, SASB created the Sustainable Industry Classification System® (SICS®) and the classification of sectors, subsectors and industries in the SDG Investor Platform is based on SICS.
Alternative Energy
Indicative Return
Describes the rate of growth an investment is expected to generate within the IOA. The indicative return is identified for the IOA by establishing its Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return of Investment (ROI) or Gross Profit Margin (GPM).
10% - 15% (in IRR)
Investment Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.
Long Term (10+ years)
Market Size
Describes the value of potential addressable market of the IOA. The market size is identified for the IOA by establishing the value in USD, identifying the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) or providing a numeric unit critical to the IOA.
< USD 50 million
Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.
USD 1 million - USD 10 million
Direct Impact
Describes the primary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) No Poverty (SDG 1)
Indirect Impact
Describes the secondary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) Climate Action (SDG 13)

Business Model Description

Invest in the development of solar mini-grids for businesses, as well as in communities, and other public or private facilities, such as hospitals, also known as Distributed Energy Service Company (DESCO). A mini-grid is defined as a set of small-scale electricity generators and possibly energy storage systems interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localised group of customers and operates independently from the national transmission grid. They range in a size from a few kilowatts up to 10 megawatts (12). While mini-grid energy generation technologies can include diesel generators as well as renewable sources, the business model specifically focuses on solar technology.

Expected Impact

Tackle energy poverty among those who do not have access to electricity, eliminate disruption to businesses from unreliable grid connection, while contributing to reduction of CO2 by replacing unsustainable sources of energy.

How is this information gathered?

Investment opportunities with potential to contribute to sustainable development are based on country-level SDG Investor Maps.

Disclaimer

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The descriptions on this page are provided for informational purposes only. Only companies and enterprises that appear under the case study tab have been validated and vetted through UNDP programmes such as the Growth Stage Impact Ventures (GSIV), Business Call to Action (BCtA), or through other UN agencies. Even then, under no circumstances should their appearance on this website be construed as an endorsement for any relationship or investment. UNDP assumes no liability for investment losses directly or indirectly resulting from recommendations made, implied, or inferred by its research. Likewise, UNDP assumes no claim to investment gains directly or indirectly resulting from trading profits, investment management, or advisory fees obtained by following investment recommendations made, implied, or inferred by its research.

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Country & Regions

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Region
  • Sierra Leone: Northern Province
  • Sierra Leone: Eastern Province
  • Sierra Leone: Southern Province
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Sector Classification

Situate the investment opportunity within sustainability focused sector, subsector and industry classifications.
Sector

Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy

Development need
Energy is under-resourced and in scarce supply in Sierra Leone; its population with access to electricity stood at 22.7% in 2019 (1). The country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, ranked in the top 10% in the world (2) with particular attention to the coastal vulnerability (3).

Policy priority
Energy is one of the key priority areas in Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan in terms of access and sustainability. One of the key targets is to increase the country’s capacity for renewable energy, covering solar and hydro, contribution to 65% by 2023, up from the current 30% level (4). In addition, the government has established an electrification target of 92% by 2030 as part of a contribution to the attainment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Energy Efficiency Policy targets (5).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
Women are the primary energy users at the household level. Shifting to renewable sources of energy reduces the exposure of women to indoor air pollution as well as relieves them from the time burden, and security and gender-based violence threats from collecting firewood (6). People in rural areas suffer from more acute lack of access to electricity with only 4.8% of the rural population in Sierra Leone having access to electricity (7).

Investment opportunities introduction
Renewable energy is considered multi-sectoral and a space where public-private partnerships are particularly important, including in Sierra Leone (8). There is opportunity for small-scale private-only investments and SME development, thus also leaving space for entrepreneurship. Demand for energy in Sierra Leone is estimated at around 360 MW, with current installed capacity of around 105 MW (4).

Key bottlenecks introduction
Access to finance is cited as one of the key impediments for alternative energy companies to be successful in Sierra Leone (9).

Sub Sector

Alternative Energy

Development need
Addressing energy poverty and climate change in Sierra Leone requires a blend of both traditional and alternative energy. Unreliable and limited access to the grid hampers economic growth and negatively affects social outcomes for the population. On-grid sources only serve 20% of energy poverty needs in Sub-Saharan Africa (10).

Policy priority
According to Medium-Term National Development Plan, increasing investment in low-cost renewable energy production and distribution is one of the key policy actions, covering solar, hydro, wind, and biomass (4). The government recognizes the immense potential for renewable energy as the best way to increase energy production sustainably (4).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues
Within the renewable resources sector, solar projects tend to be large-scale that often exclude small businesses and communities, particularly women. In general, women are more likely to be excluded from economic sectors, including infrastructure development (5). This is also related to the under-representation of women in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction field (15%) (11).

Investment opportunities introduction
There are various opportunities in the alternative energy sector, ranging from large-scale solar farms, hydro energy plants, as well as small-scale solar power systems that can be implemented by and catered to SMEs and individuals. Local engineering firms that can implement such solutions are critical.

Key bottlenecks introduction
Sierra Leone faces challenges related to energy transmission and distribution. The country's transmission grid is inadequate for transmission from areas where low-cost renewable electricity can be generated to load centers. There are challenges with the distribution network with outdated infrastructure and capacity (4). There is limited technical capacity in the off-grid solar industry (9). Engineers are often brought in from outside of the country for maintenance and repair (12).

Industry

Solar Technology and Project Developers

Pipeline Opportunity

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Investment Opportunity Area

Solar Mini-Grid Developers

Business Model

Invest in the development of solar mini-grids for businesses, as well as in communities, and other public or private facilities, such as hospitals, also known as Distributed Energy Service Company (DESCO). A mini-grid is defined as a set of small-scale electricity generators and possibly energy storage systems interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localised group of customers and operates independently from the national transmission grid. They range in a size from a few kilowatts up to 10 megawatts (12). While mini-grid energy generation technologies can include diesel generators as well as renewable sources, the business model specifically focuses on solar technology.

Business Case

Learn about the investment opportunity’s business metrics and market risks.

Market Size and Environment

Market Size (USD)
Describes the value in USD of a potential addressable market of the IOA.

< USD 50 million

Critical IOA Unit
Describes a complementary market sizing measure exemplifying the opportunities with the IOA.

2.9 million people in Sierra Leone are best serviced by mini grids

An annual mini-grid market size in Sierra Leone is estimated by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to be USD 33 million, based on an average mini-grid tariff of USD 0.9 / kWh, and average household demand per day of 0.2kWh / day (17).

According to SEFA's analysis, it is estimated that 2.9 million people (47% of the non-electrified population) will be best served by mini-grid solutions in Sierra Leone (17).

Across the continent, the deployment of solar mini-grids grew from around 500 installed in 2010 to more than 3,000 installed in 2023, and a further 9,000 mini-grids are planned for development over the next few years (22).

Indicative Return

IRR
Describes an expected annual rate of growth of the IOA investment.

10% - 15%

The alternative energy sector across the African continent is heavily supported by donors and philanthropists. Investors in mini grid across the continent tend to be development finance institutions or impact oriented financiers (18).

There are three main phases to the mini-grid project: development, construction and operations. The development phase, as the most risky phase, is typically funded by equity, expecting a 25-35% return. The construction phase typically requires a 15-20% return through construction finance. The final and the most de-risked operation phase normally necessitates a lower return of 10-15% using construction finance (18).

Investment Timeframe

Timeframe
Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources. The estimate is based on asset expected lifetime as the IOA will start generating accumulated positive cash-flows.

Long Term (10+ years)

The investment tenor depends on the purpose and the type of funding, depending on the phase of the mini-grid development. There are three main phases to a mini-grid project: development, construction and operations. The development phase funding has a 1-5 year tenor. The construction phase is a 6-18 month period, depending on the project. The final operation phase is 15+ years (18). At the same time, rural mini-grids' typical payback time is said to be around 7-10 years, and it is only on a 15-20 year horizon that double digit returns can be achieved (18).

Ticket Size

Average Ticket Size (USD)
Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.

USD 1 million - USD 10 million

Market Risks & Scale Obstacles

Capital - CapEx Intensive

Mini-grids are infrastructure assets, and they require upfront capital investment and generate steady returns over a long period of 10-20+ years (18). Grant, subsidy or other type of infrastructure financing is required to reduce capital costs.

Capital - Requires Subsidy

Research shows that mini-grid projects are often not economically viable without government subsidies (19), grant, or in-kind support. Rural households and businesses typically cannot afford the full cost to service mini-grids, and require financing by the public sector. The World Bank estimates that main grid connections typically receive an average subsidy of approximately USD 800 per connection. Mini-grids typically require less subsidy of USD 400 - 900 per connection, but few markets provide a mini-grid subsidy (18).

Capital - Limited Investor Interest

Mini-grid developers around the world managed to raise USD 2.1 billion in debt, equity, and grant between 2014 and 2019 (19). However, this is a fraction of the annual investment of USD 35 billion necessary to achieve universal energy access by 2030 (20). Mini-grids have not yet begun to seriously scale across Africa due to lack of funding, as most of the growth is currently supported by shorter-term venture capital. To scale, long-term capital is needed (18). Compared to solar home systems that have secured a total of more than USD 1 billion in funding, mini grids have raised less than USD 250 million raised as of 2018 (21).

Impact Case

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Sustainable Development Need

Only 22.7% on the population in Sierra Leone has access to electricity as of 2019 (1). This is one of the major challenges that affect the lives of people as well as businesses in Sierra Leone.

Traditional source of energy, namely biomass from wood and charcoal, is used by 80% of population in Sierra Leone (4). The use of charcoal causes health issues particularly for women who tend to spend time cooking in households.

The generation of clean energy in Sierra Leone is currently limited at 30% (4).

Gender & Marginalisation

Women are the primary energy users at the house level. They are exposed to indoor air pollution, as well as time burden, and risk of security and gender-based violence threats from collecting firewood (5).

Children living in areas without proper access to electricity suffer from not being able to study after dark.

There are significant levels of unemployment across Sierra Leone, and economic opportunities in rural areas are particularly limited. This is execrated by the absence of reliable and affordable electricity.

Expected Development Outcome

Solar mini-grid developer provide high-quality uninterrupted renewable electricity to underserved communities, especially compared to their current alternatives such as biomass and diesel.

Solar mini-grids offer an alternative to traditional and unhealthy sources of power, and they contribute to the generation of clean energy.

Gender & Marginalisation

Having reliable access to mini grids allow for children to study longer by having light after dark and improve their education outcomes.

Having access to mini grid stimulates economic development in rural areas where opportunities are limited.

Primary SDGs addressed

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

7.1.1 Proportion of population with access to electricity

7.1.2 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology

7.b.1 Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita)

Current Value

Only 22.7% on the population in Sierra Leone has access to electricity as of 2019 (1).

Biomass from wood and charcoal is the source of energy of 80% of population (4), meaning that 20% of the population uses clean energy.

The percentage of clean energy production is 30% (4).

Target Value

According to the National Energy Efficiency Plan, the target electrification rate is 92% by 2030 (5). In addition, according to the Medium Term National Development Plan, the government targets to increase installed electric capacity from the current 100 megawatts in 2018 to 350 megawatts by 2023, as well as to connect 20 villages and eight towns in each district to the national grid or off-grid standalone schemes (4).

N/A

According to the Medium Term National Development Plan, the government targets to increase the country’s capacity for renewable energy (solar and hydro) contribution to 65% by 2023 (4).

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
10 - Reduced Inequalities

10.1.1 Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total population

Current Value

As a proxy, mini-grids help not only businesses but households. The results for standalone mini-grid projects by Energy and Environment Partnership (EEP) Trust Fund indicates that access to renewable energy has brought annual savings of up to EUR 93 per household (23).

Target Value

N/A

No Poverty (SDG 1)
1 - No Poverty

1.1.1 Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line by sex, age, employment status and geographic location (urban/rural)

Current Value

57% of the population and 72.4% of the rural population in Sierra Leone live below the poverty line. Furthermore, 10.8% of the country and 15.3% of the rural population face extreme poverty (4).

Target Value

By 2023, ensure more rural inhabitants are out of extreme poverty than in 2018 (4).

Secondary SDGs addressed

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
Climate Action (SDG 13)
13 - Climate Action

Directly impacted stakeholders

People

77.7% of the population in Sierra Leone that are without access to electricity will benefit from sustainable and affordable sources of energy (1). Mini-grid developers directly employ staff in the communities, such as engineers and sales agents (21).

Gender inequality and/or marginalization

Women who typically run households will improve their health and safety outcomes by replacing toxic cooking methods with energy from mini-grids.

Planet

Use of electricity generated by mini-grids reduce carbon footprint by moving away from traditional production of electricity such as firewood and charcoal. In Sierra Leone, household CO2 emissions come almost entirely from lighting and cooking (23).

Corporates

Businesses that install mini-grids will benefit from having access to reliable and clean electricity, thereby being able to run businesses without interruption and potentially increasing revenues (21).

Public sector

The government benefits to meet the electrification rate target of 92% by 2023 (22). CrossBoundary argues that subsidizing mini-grids is cheaper than subsidizing expansion of the main grid, resulting in saving of up to 80% in subsidy outlay for the government of Sierra Leone (24).

Indirectly impacted stakeholders

People

Companies that use electricity from mini-grids to provide new services may also employ additional people (21).

Gender inequality and/or marginalization

Children spend more time studying given additional hours of light.

Planet

In the long run, moving away from unsustainable cutting of trees for cooking will lead to protection of forests and other natural capital.

Corporates

In many rural villages, mini-grids support energy for productive use, enabling an electrified village to become a local “business hub” (25).

Public sector

The government benefits by alleviate the pressure to provide electricity in challenging areas, as well as from increased tax collection through increased economic activities.

Outcome Risks

The consumer costs of electricity from a mini-grid are higher than national grid costs, because national grid tariffs are not cost-reflective and highly subsidized. This means that poorer communities may be excluded from accessing the new source of energy, potentially exacerbating inequalities. Grid electricity tariff for residential customers is SLL 1,400 (USD 0.06) / kWh for the first 25 kWh, then SLL 2,545 (USD 0.11) / kWh (plus 15% tax) for further consumption. In comparison, average tariff for mini grid is SLL 7,231 - 8,045 (USD 0.32 - 0.35) / kWh (26).

The mini-grid industry in Africa is dominated by foreign entities. If such international developers do not establish a local presence, there is a risk that local populations' voices get disregarded (23).

Based on an evaluation study on the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) in Sierra Leone, fewer female-headed households in RREP communities were connected to the mini-grids than male-headed households (25). Inequal access to off-grid electricity further exacerbates the gender disparity in the country.

Impact Risks

If mini-grids fail to scale provide electricity to low income populations particularly in rural areas, they will continue to be cut off from electricity, which prevent them from improving their lives and accessing economic opportunities (27).

If mini-grid models do not scale, women will continue to be exposed to health risks from inhaling hazardous smoke caused by charcoal, as well as safety risks including gender-based violence from walking in the dark or collecting firewood (27).

Continued use of unsustainable sources of power such as charcoal will contribute to not meeting the 1.5 degree target, resulting in catastrophic consequences on the planet, and particularly for many parts of Africa, including Sierra Leone, that are vulnerable to climate change impact.

Impact Classification

C—Contribute to Solutions

What

Solar mini-grid developers provide access to affordable and sustainable electricity. This is a positive impact as it helps to alleviate energy poverty in the country.

Who

Businesses, organizations, and people living in areas that are not connected to electricity in Sierra Leone.

Risk

While the mini-grid business model is proven in Sierra Leone and across Africa, scale and accessibility issues as well as the use of alternative sources of power require consideration.

Contribution

The additionality that mini-grids bring to the target communities and businesses who lack access to reliable and sustainable sources of electricity is significant.

How Much

Mini grids help to meet the Sierra Leone's target to increase the country’s capacity for renewable energy (solar and hydro) contribution to 65% by 2023 from the current 30% level (4) as well as to increase the electrification rate to 92% by 2030 (5).

Impact Thesis

Tackle energy poverty among those who do not have access to electricity, eliminate disruption to businesses from unreliable grid connection, while contributing to reduction of CO2 by replacing unsustainable sources of energy.

Enabling Environment

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Policy Environment

Medium Term National Development Plan (2019) defines energy access and sustainable energy as key priority areas. One of the key targets is to increase the country’s capacity for renewable energy (solar and hydro) contribution to 65% by 2023 from the current 30% level (4).

National Energy Policy (2009) & National Energy Strategic Plan (2009) set as objective to increase access to modern energy supplies in off-grid areas for reduction of poverty. They also prioritize small-scale decentralized solar power supplies to meet the basic needs of lighting, refrigeration and media and information technology in rural areas, and calls for the development of a strategy, plan and mechanisms for rural electrification (28, 29).

Energy Efficiency Policy (2016) & National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2015) seek to enhance energy access while transforming the energy sector towards greater sustainability. They detail sectoral and cross-sectoral measures to be taken (30). The action plan sets actions and targets towards SDG7.1 and 7.3, among which 92% access to electricity and 12.3 kWh / USD PPP 2005 primary energy intensity in 2030 (5).

National Renewable Energy Policy of Sierra Leone (2016) and National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2015) clarify and extend the 2009 National Energy Policy and Strategic Plan with goals, policies, and extensive measures for renewable energy (8, 28). They also mark the initial steps of aligning the country's renewable energy policy with the regional Renewable Energy Policy of the ECOWAS (31). The action plan sets goals such as shares of renewables in electricity generation (5).

Financial Environment

Financial incentives: There are significant levels of subsidies provided to lower tariffs, increase affordability, increase access and support the viability of the mini-grid business in Sierra Leone. There are four kind of subsidies: 1) Asset split (subsidies in kind of distribution grid assets from United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funding); 2) Connection subsidies which are treated as a capital grant; 3) the Universal Energy Facility (UEF), which is a results based financing program; and 4) Subsidies as a percentage of total project capital expenditure (35).

Financial incentives: Several grants are available to invest in alternative energy in Africa: The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is a multi-donor fund managed by AfDB that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency (37). EEP Africa managed by the Nordic Development Fund provides grants and catalytic financing to innovative clean energy projects (38).

Fiscal incentives: Sierra Leone has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15% and import duty of between 5% to 35%. Supply of solar power has been added to the list of GST zero-rated supplies in the Finance Act of 2022 (33). The importation of photo voltaic system equipment and low energy or energy-efficient appliances for resale or use by third parties is be duty-free for a period of 3 years (36). However, the exemptions for import duty and GST for solar products do not seem to be universally applicable and are approved on a case-by-case basis (9).

Regulatory Environment

Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC)'s minigrid regulations (2019) provides clarity on licensing, grid arrival and the tariff formula for minigrid operators and indicates a long-term commitment to the sector (34, 25). The regulations provide for cost-reflective tariffs and allow for two license categories that envisage “a basic mini-grid license;” regulation for projects below 100kW and “a full mini-grid license” for mini-grid projects between 100kW and 10MW (35). Currently, there are four licensed mini grid operators in Sierra Leone.

The Finance Act 2017 provides duty exemptions on the importation of solar equipment that meets International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards (32). Finance Act of 2022 added the supply of solar power to the list of Goods and Services Tax zero-rated supplies (33).

Investment Code (2005) is designed to provide more protection for companies investing in Sierra Leone. It directs government to encourage joint ventures and allow full foreign ownership. This is relevant for potential foreign investors who provide capital into mini grids to understand their rights (28).

Marketplace Participants

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Private Sector

Off-Grid Power (SL), Winch Energy, PowerGen, Power Leone, Power Ned, FLS Power, CrossBoundary Energy.

Government

Ministry of Energy, Public Private Partnership Unit of the Office of the President, Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Finance, Environmental Protection Agency, National Public Procurement Authority.

Multilaterals

World Bank, Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll), Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), African Development Bank (AfDB), Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), Climate Investment Funds (CIF), Norfund, Swedfund, Proparco, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Nordic Development Fund (NDF), Stoa Impact Fund, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

Non-Profit

The Renewable Energy Association of Sierra Leone (REASL), Energy For Opportunity (EFO), Energy 4 Impact, Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), Welthungerhilfe, Africa Microgrid Developers Association (AMDA), MercyCorp, Rockefeller Foundation, Shell Foundation, Lighting Global, Energy Saving Trust, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Public-Private Partnership

The four licensed mini-grid operators in Sierra Leone are essentially operating on a government concession using a PPP agreement and are structured as a hybrid between a Build Own and Operate (BOO) and Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. At the end of the 20-year concession period, the public assets will be returned to the Ministry of Energy (17).

Target Locations

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country static map
rural

Sierra Leone: Northern Province

Northern Province is predominantly high woodlands. It has the highest absolute poverty amongst all of the provinces in the country, and ranks poorly in service delivery such as access to water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities (4). In terms of access to electricity, Northern Province had the highest on-grid installed capacity of 94 MW in 2017, representing 47% of the country's total capacity. Majority of the capacity (50MW) was provided by hydropower from Bumbuna Hydroelectric Power Station, the largest hydroelectric powerplant in the country (17). Of the 2.9 million people that are estimated to be better served by mini grids, 1.1 million (or 37%) are estimated to be located in the Northern Province, according to SEFA (17). The Northern Province also has the best solar power potential with Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) values above 1,800 to 1,900kWh/m2 (17).
rural

Sierra Leone: Eastern Province

Eastern Province is the center of the country's diamond mining industry, and it does not have any coast line. In terms of access to electricity, Eastern Province had the lowest on-grid installed capacity of 8 MW in 2017, representing 4% of the country's total capacity, served by a combination of diesel and hydropower (17). Of the 2.9 million people that are estimated to be better served by mini grids, 1.1 million (or 37%) are estimated to be located in the Eastern Province, according to SEFA (17).
rural

Sierra Leone: Southern Province

Southern Province has the largest coast line in the country and is home to the second largest city, Bo. In terms of access to electricity, Southern Province had low on-grid installed capacity of 10 MW in 2017, representing 5% of the country's total capacity. 100% of the capacity is provided by using diesel (17). Of the 2.9 million people that are estimated to be better served by mini grids, 748,000 (or 26%) are estimated to be located in the Southern Province, according to SEFA (17).

References

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