By Mohamed Lamin Banya
A delegation of World Bank Executive Directors has toured Sierra Leone’s flagship solar power project in Newton, commending the country’s progress toward clean and reliable energy.
The visit took place on April 25 in Newton, where officials inspected the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), a 30-megawatt solar facility supported by battery storage to stabilize electricity supply.
The delegation was led by Abdu Muwonge and hosted by Minister of Energy Cyril Grant and Deputy Minister Abdrahman Jalloh. Representatives from the World Bank, the Ministry of Energy, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), and Electricity Generation and Transmission Company also took part.
Officials said the plant was generating close to its full 30MW capacity during the visit, with battery systems helping to improve reliability.
Minister Grant described the project as a major step forward for the energy sector, noting it will provide affordable electricity, reduce dependence on costly fuel-based generation, and support economic growth.
Mr. Muwonge praised the speed and quality of construction, reaffirming the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s energy development.
The RESPITE project is expected to expand access to electricity, lower costs, and strengthen the country’s transition to renewable energy.
