
By Ibrahim Sesay
In a major step toward expanding Sierra Leone’s renewable energy portfolio, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), has signed a landmark lease agreement with Release by Scatec, a leading global renewable energy provider, to deploy a 40-megawatt (MW) fast-track power plant in Kamakwie, Karene District, North-West Sierra Leone. The signing took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The Kamakwie project, delivered through an innovative leasing model, is designed to stabilize Sierra Leone’s national grid and expand access to clean, reliable electricity across the northern region. The modular, containerized power solution will provide sustainable energy tailored to the country’s growing industrial and domestic demands.
Hans Olav Kvalvaag, Chief Executive Officer of Release by Scatec, expressed optimism about the collaboration:
“We are very pleased with the strong partnership we have built with Sierra Leone. Their readiness to act swiftly to meet urgent energy needs, combined with our innovative modular solution, has been vital in advancing this project. We remain committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to deliver clean and dependable electricity to communities nationwide.”
Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, described the agreement as a milestone in the Government’s mission to address energy challenges, particularly outside the capital.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to meet urgent energy demands in the provinces for industrial growth and improved living standards,” Dr. Kandeh Yumkella said. “The Kamakwie site was strategically selected for its grid accessibility, enabling EGTC and EDSA to sell excess power to the regional network.”
The initial lease term covers five years, with options for extension or purchase starting in year six. The plant’s modular design allows future expansion and integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to strengthen grid stability. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella added that President Julius Maada Bio is expected to officiate the groundbreaking later this year.
Scheduled for commissioning in the second or third quarter of 2026, the Kamakwie power project aligns with the Government’s Mission 300 Compact, which aims to add 1.17 gigawatts (GW) of new generation capacity by 2030.
Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, hailed the agreement as a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s energy transformation agenda:
“Signing this agreement with Release by Scatec marks a major milestone for the implementation of our Mission 300 Compact. We deeply appreciate the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank in facilitating this groundbreaking project.”
Once operational, the Kamakwie plant will boost Sierra Leone’s renewable energy capacity to 167 MW, effectively doubling the country’s solar generation by 2026. The project is also expected to reduce dependency on costly diesel power, lower operational costs and create local jobs during both construction and operation phases.
Director General of EGTC, Ing. Milton Gegbai, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to stabilizing and expanding power generation nationwide.
“This agreement marks a turning point for EGTC as we work to strengthen and expand our generation capacity. The Kamakwie plant will provide critical support to the national grid, reduce power shortages and help meet growing electricity demand across the country. We look forward to a successful partnership with Release by Scatec in delivering reliable and sustainable power to the people of Sierra Leone.”
EGTC is responsible for generating and transmitting electricity across Sierra Leone, advancing national development through sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure.
Release by Scatec is an independent, majority-owned subsidiary of Scatec ASA, a global renewable energy solutions provider. The company delivers affordable, sustainable and rapidly deployable solar PV and battery storage systems through a flexible leasing model designed to accelerate clean energy access in emerging markets.