A 30 MW power plant will be developed in Sierra Leone thanks to a $3.1 million investment from the ClimateInvestor Two fund, managed by Climate FundManagers (CFM). According to Climate FundManagers, the project will convert 365,000 tonnes of municipal waste into 236.5 GWh of renewable electricity annually, providing a sustainable alternative to the country’s energy production,Lindsay Nagle, CEO of Infinitum EnergyGroup, said “Infinitum is honored to be working with CFM on this major project. Based on proven technology and a strong public-private partnership, this initiative aims to solve two major challenges in Freetown : waste management and access to reliable energy. This cooperation illustrates the potential of private sector innovation combined with the government’s commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable future for Sierra Leone“. The energy generated will be fed into the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Sierra Leone Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA).
The new waste-to-energy plant will provide a stable source of energy, boosting existing hydroelectric production and alleviating power shortages, particularly during the dry season. Darron Johnson, CFM’s Africa Regional Manager, emphasized that “this waste-to-energy project reflects the organization’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s climatic, social and economic challenges. Transforming Freetown’s waste into clean energy not only reduces pollutant emissions, but also stimulates the local economy and improves living conditions for local populations. This alliance demonstrates the importance of blended financing, an essential lever for securing investment in innovative projects and promoting the development of sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets“.
This project is fully in line with the country’s national commitments to develop renewable energies, modernize waste treatment infrastructures and adopt an integrated approach to resource management. As an independent power producer (IPP), this initiative illustrates the country’s determination to position itself as a key player in energy development, promoting sustainable solutions and strengthening its long-term energy independence.
According to data from Climate Fund Managers, only 22% of the population has access to electricity, of which almost 40% comes from expensive and polluting fossil fuels, depriving millions of people of a stable and reliable energy supply. This is due to a major waste management crisis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure.
An economic and environmental opportunity
The benefits of this project go far beyond electrification. The plant will reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 94,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, with the added bonus of creating around 250 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs in the waste management value chain. It will also improve public health, by limiting the proliferation of uncontrolled landfill sites, and ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for over 3.3 million people. This initiative fits perfectly with Sierra Leone’s climate and sustainable development objectives, giving a viable alternative to fossil fuels, while solving a major waste management problem.
An inspiring energy model for Africa
Sierra Leone joins a wider movement in Africa, where several countries are exploring waste-to-energy. Ethiopia has led the way with the Reppie power plant in Addis Ababa, in operation since 2018. Kenya and South Africa are also studying similar projects to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, but for these initiatives to gain momentum, a favorable regulatory framework and financing mechanisms will be required. The Freetown project could attract other investors to this sustainable solution.
Waste, another promising energy resource
At the same time, Sierra Leone is exploring another innovation : biogas from food waste. The Freetown Waste Transformers company, headed by Aminata DumbuyaJarr, uses biomethanization to transform biowaste into energy. An initial pilot unit, installed in 2020 at Aberdeen Women’s Hospital, processes 600 kg of food waste a day and generates electricity. Following this success, the company has raised $4 million (€3.9 million) to develop 40 new units across the capital. To optimize bio-waste collection, an Uber-inspired mobile application enables households and businesses to request waste collection and pay via Orange Money.
A study by the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI) on waste management in Africa, entitled “Waste management and electricity production in Africa: incineration at the service of the sustainable city?“, highlights that municipal waste production in sub-Saharan Africa will increase by 2050, reaching 516 million tonnes. In this context, waste-to-energy represents a sustainable solution for meeting growing energy needs, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
