By Kadiatu A. Turay

In a move to tackle Sierra Leone’s chronic energy shortages, construction began on a 150-megawatt (MW) multi-fuel combined cycle gas turbine power plant at Kissy Dockyard in Freetown. Hailed as a historic investment, the project promises to double the nation’s electricity capacity, delivering reliable power to homes, businesses, and industries by Q3 2027, addressing a critical barrier to development in a country where only 26% of the population has grid access.

The Kissy Dockyard Power Plant, one of Sierra Leone’s largest infrastructure projects, leverages advanced combined cycle technology, enabling flexible use of natural gas and diesel for a stable energy supply. At the groundbreaking ceremony, minister of Energy Alhaji Kanja Sesay underscored its transformative potential for too long, unreliable electricity has hindered our progress, this plant will power homes, schools, hospitals, and industries, driving economic growth and improving lives.

With urban Freetown facing severe power shortages exacerbated by reliance on costly private generators the project aims to bridge the supply-demand gap, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens emphasized, Reliable power is foundational for modern healthcare, competitive industries, and digital innovation. This initiative could catalyze multisectoral growth.

Residents near Kissy Dockyard expressed cautious optimism. Fatmata Kamara, a trader at Kissy Market, shared, my business depends on electricity to keep drinks cold. If this plant delivers, it could transform my livelihood.” However, Mohamed Jalloh, a local mechanic, voiced skepticism Past projects promised much but delivered little to ordinary citizens. I hope this power is affordable and reaches us all.

Environmental concerns have surfaced, given Freetown’s existing air pollution challenges. Hawa Conteh of Green Future Sierra Leone urged, we support this project but demand cleaner technologies and minimal emissions to protect our environment. Authorities confirmed that comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) were conducted, with the plant designed to meet international sustainability standards, aligning with efforts to mitigate climate-driven issues like those in your project, Climate on the Ground: Farmers and Floods in Sierra Leone.

Beyond energy, the project is set to create hundreds of jobs during construction and sustain long-term employment in operations and maintenance. Project Director Eng. James Musa highlighted, we’re prioritizing local hiring and training to build technical capacity for Sierra Leoneans. Mariam Bangura, an electrical engineering student at Fourah Bay College, added, this is a golden opportunity for young engineers to gain hands-on experience and contribute to national development.

Funded through a public-private partnership with international investors, the project reflects confidence in Sierra Leone’s potential. Minister Sesay noted, our partners’ investment underscores energy as the bedrock of progress, closing our infrastructure financing gap.

As construction progresses, Sierra Leoneans are hopeful yet vigilant, awaiting tangible improvements in a nation where power outages symbolize broader struggles. Pastor Emmanuel Cole of Kissy Wesleyan Church captured the sentiment This plant is more than infrastructure it’s a beacon of hope, illuminating a brighter future for our people.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)