Freetown, Sierra Leone – Minister of Energy, Cyril Arnold Grant, has attributed the recent wave of electricity outages in Freetown to reduced power generation at the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam, while assuring the public that several major energy projects are underway to improve power supply across the country.
Speaking during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Conference Centre on Monday, 9 June 2026, the Minister said seasonal declines in water levels at Bumbuna, coupled with routine maintenance work on one of the facility’s turbines, have significantly affected electricity production.
According to Grant, the hydroelectric plant is currently generating about 10 megawatts of electricity, with additional power being supplied by Karpowership and thermal generation facilities to support the national grid.
To address the growing demand for electricity, the Minister announced that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is expected to officially commission a newly completed 30-megawatt solar power project at Newton. The facility includes a 15-megawatt-hour battery storage system designed to enhance power stability within the Freetown network.
He further disclosed that work is progressing on another 20-megawatt solar energy project at Benguema, which is expected to contribute additional capacity to the country’s energy mix.
Grant stressed that reliable electricity remains essential to Sierra Leone’s economic development, noting that stable power supply is critical for attracting investment, expanding industries, and creating employment opportunities.
“Without power, we know we will not get investors to come and invest, build industries, and create employment for our people,” the Minister stated.
The Minister also provided an update on the Nant Energy Project, revealing that the facility is expected to deliver an initial 60 megawatts of electricity by the first quarter of 2027. Generation capacity is projected to increase to 108 megawatts later that year, with significant improvements anticipated for electricity supply in Wellington and other eastern parts of Freetown.
In addition, the government is pursuing plans to expand the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project through a donor-backed initiative expected to add another 50 megawatts to the national grid. The expansion aims to maximize the use of excess water resources that are currently underutilized during the rainy season.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges in the country’s transmission and distribution systems, Grant expressed optimism that continued investments in power generation, substations, transmission lines, and other grid infrastructure will gradually improve electricity reliability nationwide.
The government has identified energy as a key pillar of its development agenda, with several renewable and conventional power projects being implemented to meet rising demand and support economic growth.
