A major step has been taken toward the implementation of Sierra Leone’s proposed US$200 million Waste-to-Energy Project after an international team of engineers completed an extensive technical assessment of the initiative across the Western Area.
The proposed project, which aims to generate 30 megawatts of electricity by converting municipal waste into energy, is now considered technically feasible following several days of field inspections and engineering evaluations.
The project will proceed to the next stage once the remaining contractual approvals and parliamentary ratification are secured.
The assessment mission brought together specialists in civil, environmental, waste management and energy engineering. The delegation was led by Infinitum Energy’s Lead Engineer, Raphael, and included experts from Belgian engineering firm De Smet, the company selected to design and construct the facility at Hastings.
During their visit, the engineers assessed the proposed 60-acre project site, examining its topography, soil conditions, drainage systems, access roads and other infrastructure required for construction and long-term operations.
The team also inspected major waste disposal sites in Kingtom, Kissy and Waterloo, alongside industrial and agricultural waste sources in Cline Town, Wellington and Waterloo. Meetings were held with local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to evaluate waste generation, collection systems and disposal practices.
A central focus of the mission was determining whether the Western Area could provide enough waste to sustain the planned power plant.
According to the engineers, the facility will require more than 1,200 tonnes of municipal solid waste each day to produce its target output of 30 megawatts of electricity.
Based on the findings, the team concluded that sufficient waste is available to support continuous operation of the plant once it becomes operational.
As part of the assessment, engineers also visited the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at Freetown Port, where heavy equipment for the project is expected to arrive, and the Jui electricity substation, which will be responsible for transmitting power generated by the facility to the national grid.
Infinitum Energy Group’s Country Director, Dr. Yassin Kargbo, described the completion of the technical assessment as a significant milestone for one of Sierra Leone’s largest infrastructure investments.
He said the company has worked with government ministries, regulatory institutions, local councils and host communities since 2021 to advance the project, adding that it has now entered the final approval stage before construction can begin.
According to Dr. Kargbo, the facility will not only boost the country’s electricity supply but also help address growing waste management challenges by reducing pressure on overcrowded dumpsites and improving environmental sanitation.
He added that the project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, while generating further employment in waste collection, transportation, recycling and environmental services.
Dr. Kargbo also disclosed that the company plans to invest millions of dollars in corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on education, healthcare, sanitation, youth empowerment and community development.
With an estimated value exceeding US$200 million, the Waste-to-Energy Project is expected to rank among the largest private investments in Sierra Leone’s energy sector. In addition to increasing electricity generation, the initiative is expected to promote infrastructure development, technology transfer, private-sector investment and long-term sustainable energy production.
The project received approval in principle from the Government last year, and Infinitum Energy says it has met the major development requirements. The company is now awaiting the final contractual approvals and parliamentary ratification before construction officially begins.
