By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a decisive step toward transforming its energy landscape, Sierra Leone has officially broken ground on a 150-megawatt (MW) multi-fuel combined cycle power plant at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown. The project, hailed as one of the nation’s most significant infrastructure initiatives in decades, promises not only to increase electricity supply but to redefine economic prospects, industrial capacity, and social development across the country.
For years, Sierra Leone has struggled with chronic energy shortages. Only about 26% of the population has access to the national grid, forcing households, businesses, and institutions to rely heavily on costly private generators. This energy deficit has been a persistent barrier to economic growth, limiting industrial competitiveness, straining healthcare services, and constraining digital and technological innovation. The new Kissy Dockyard Power Plant aims to bridge this gap by providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
Unlike conventional plants, the facility will employ advanced combined cycle technology, allowing it to operate flexibly on both natural gas and diesel. This dual-fuel approach enhances reliability while minimizing the risk of disruption, ensuring a stable supply even in fluctuating fuel markets. According to Eng. James Musa, Project Director, “This plant is designed to meet modern energy demands efficiently. Our goal is not just to generate power but to establish a sustainable system that can evolve with Sierra Leone’s growth.”
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay emphasized the transformative potential of the project. “For too long, unreliable electricity has limited our progress. This plant will power homes, hospitals, schools, and industries, acting as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life,” he said.
Economic empowerment is a core objective. During the construction phase, hundreds of jobs are expected to be created, with priority given to local hiring and skills development. Long-term employment opportunities will also arise in plant operations, maintenance, and technical management. Students like Mariam Bangura, an electrical engineering undergraduate at Fourah Bay College, see this as a rare opportunity. “This project offers young engineers hands-on experience while contributing directly to national development,” she noted.
Community reactions reflect a blend of optimism and cautious realism. Fatmata Kamara, a trader at Kissy Market, said, “My business depends on electricity to keep perishable goods fresh. Reliable power could transform livelihoods here.” Conversely, Mohamed Jalloh, a local mechanic, expressed skepticism: “Previous projects promised much but delivered little. I hope this one reaches ordinary citizens affordably and consistently.”
Environmental sustainability has also been a critical consideration. Freetown faces mounting challenges from urban pollution and climate vulnerability. Hawa Conteh of Green Future Sierra Leone acknowledged the project’s potential benefits but stressed the need for strict environmental compliance. Authorities confirmed that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted, and the plant’s design adheres to international sustainability standards, aiming to limit emissions and integrate with broader climate adaptation strategies.
The initiative is funded through a public-private partnership, attracting international investors who view Sierra Leone as a viable hub for sustainable development. Minister Sesay underscored that this investment reflects global confidence in the nation’s economic potential and the recognition that energy infrastructure is fundamental to closing the development gap.
Beyond infrastructure, the Kissy Dockyard Power Plant represents a strategic tool for national transformation. Reliable electricity is expected to stimulate industrial growth, enhance healthcare delivery, support educational institutions, and reduce reliance on expensive private generators. In the long term, increased energy access could drive innovation hubs, digital entrepreneurship, and manufacturing competitiveness, creating ripple effects across multiple sectors.
Past power initiatives in Sierra Leone have often faltered due to funding gaps, technical challenges, and implementation delays. This project distinguishes itself through modern engineering, robust oversight, and integration with broader national energy plans, offering hope that the cycle of underperformance can finally be broken.
As construction begins, Sierra Leoneans watch with hope and vigilance. Pastor Emmanuel Cole of Kissy Wesleyan Church captured the sentiment of many: “This plant is more than infrastructure; it is a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where our people can thrive.”
With completion targeted for Q3 2027, the Kissy Dockyard Power Plant has the potential to redefine the country’s energy trajectory. More than electricity, it represents a pathway to economic opportunity, social progress, and a sustainable foundation for Sierra Leone’s development ambitions.
