Solar Era Woo Paramount Chiefs at Bo Alternative Energy Meet

Bo – (02 April2016) – Sierra Leonean solar power provider Solar Era Holdings, on 2 April 2016, presented plans for the country’s first solar PV plant to an audience of Paramount Chiefsgathered in Bo for a showcase on renewable energy technologies.

The event, organised by Minister of EnergyAmb. Henry MacAulay for all Sierra Leone’s 149 Paramount Chiefs, was an opportunity to engage in discussion on power provision toall Sierra Leoneans, and renewable energy’s role in achieving this goal.

While the Government of Sierra Leone believes that demand will reach 1000MW by 2018,nearly 90% of households do not have access to electricity.His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, in his Agenda for Prosperity, declared energy to be a key priority for his government, with access to electricity provided to even the most remote and vulnerable communities.

Recognising the need for investment to address this challenge, GOSL created the framework to encourage independent power producers into the energy market.Solar Era, in 2015,signed an agreement to provide 25MW of solar generated power, the first phase of which isthe development of a 5MW power station near Bo. Although Sierra Leone’s second largest city Bo, and its surrounding area, are in darkness for three months of the year.

Following theBo showcase Solar Erainvited dignitaries, including Amb. MacAulay, Chief of StaffMr. Saidu Conton and Sally Taylor, Head of DFID Sierra Leone, to the site off the Bo-Kenema highway where it will build its $9m plant. The 30-acre site was leasedfrom local landownerswith the blessing of Paramount Chief Alfred Hindowa Demby V of Baoma Chiefdom, Bo District. 

Welcoming guests Sophie Johnson, Sierra Leone In-Country Director for Solar Era, said: “Solar Era is honoured to be here today.  Our mission is to bring power to Africa and we would like to thank the Government of Sierra Leone and the Honourable Minister for allowing us to move one step closer towards achieving our goal.  We are proud to be able to contribute to the development of the Bo-Kenema area, and to help communities thrive and businesses succeed”.

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