By Fatima Kpaka
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and United States Chargé d’Affaires Meghan Moore on Friday toured the site of the Nant Power Project in Kissy, a major energy infrastructure development expected to significantly improve electricity supply in Freetown.
According to a statement from the United States Embassy in Freetown, the 108.4-megawatt power plant is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in September 2027.
Once operational, the facility is expected to provide electricity to approximately 80 percent of Freetown, helping to address longstanding power challenges in the capital and supporting economic growth and industrial development.
The project, valued at $417 million, is being financed through a partnership that includes a $292 million loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), underscoring continued cooperation between Sierra Leone and the United States in advancing critical infrastructure and energy security.
During the visit last Friday, President Bio and Chargé d’Affaires Moore received updates on the progress of construction and the anticipated impact of the project on households, businesses and public services across the capital.
The Nant Power Project is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electricity generation capacity, improve reliability of supply and contribute to the government’s broader agenda of expanding access to affordable and sustainable energy.
Background
The Nant Power Project is one of the largest private-sector-led energy investments in Sierra Leone’s history. The initiative aims to increase the country’s generation capacity and modernize electricity infrastructure to meet growing demand in Freetown and surrounding communities.
Access to reliable electricity remains a key challenge in Sierra Leone, with businesses and households often facing frequent power interruptions and high energy costs. The completion of the 108.4-megawatt facility is expected to ease pressure on the national grid, enhance economic productivity and support the country’s long-term development goals.
The project also reflects deepening U.S.-Sierra Leone cooperation in the energy sector, with the DFC financing designed to mobilize investment in infrastructure projects that promote economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.
When completed in 2027, the Nant Power Project is expected to become a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve greater energy security and expand electricity access across the capital city.