Kissy Dockyard, Freetown, Friday, 16 October 2026 — President Julius Maada Bio has inspected the ongoing construction of the 108.4-megawatt Nant Power Plant at Kissy Dockyard, Freetown, with project officials assuring him that the facility is on track to begin generating electricity in September 2027.
The approximately US$417 million project represents a major investment in Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and a significant partnership involving the Government of Sierra Leone and international development financiers, including the United States.
During the inspection, President Bio received a briefing from Karim Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of the Nant Power Project, formerly known as the Western Area Power Generation Project, and his technical team on construction progress, safety measures and the facilities being developed to support the plant’s operations.
The multi-fuel Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility is designed to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Once completed, its 108.4-megawatt generation capacity is expected to strengthen electricity supply, support businesses and households, and contribute to the country’s broader economic development.
The project is being developed by TCQ Power and Anergi Group Plc. Its financing includes a US$292 million loan from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a US$40 million loan from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and equity contributions from the developers.
Construction was officially launched in mid-2024, with the first electricity generation targeted for September 2027. Siemens Energy is expected to operate the completed facility, while Shapoorji Pallonji is responsible for engineering and construction.
During the briefing, Mr Nasser also outlined the plant’s safety arrangements, including plans to encapsulate three tanks with sand and concrete to enhance safety and protect surrounding communities.
The completed facility will also feature an administrative building, a firefighting department, a warehouse, a security control room and other supporting infrastructure designed to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Project officials further informed the President that Sierra Leoneans had undertaken construction work at the site, while the project incorporates internationally sourced equipment and advanced treatment technology.
President Bio reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project, stressing the importance of delivering the facility on schedule as Sierra Leone seeks to improve electricity availability and strengthen its energy infrastructure.
When operational, the Nant Power Plant is expected to make a substantial contribution to the country’s power-generation capacity, helping to meet growing electricity demand and provide more reliable energy for households, businesses and industries.
The project is widely viewed as an important component of Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen energy security, stimulate investment and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
