Liberia has launched a transformative Renewable Energy Investment Plan Framework and Roadmap, aimed at expanding clean energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help the country meet its 2030 climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Backed by US$105 million in funding, the plan was introduced during a formal event at Corina Hotel in Monrovia, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leading the rollout in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA).
More than 2 million people in key counties—Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Grand Cape Mount—are expected to benefit from the initiative, which is focused on diversifying Liberia’s energy sources and improving reliability, particularly in underserved areas.
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Currently, much of Liberia’s electricity comes from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), whose service has been hampered by widespread power theft and seasonal drops in hydropower output, especially during the dry season when the country’s only hydroelectric dam struggles to meet demand.
During the launch, Dr. Emmanuel Urey King Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, was represented by Ben Karmorh, Jr., the agency’s Chief Technical Advisor and Climate Change Focal Point. Karmorh emphasized that the roadmap would not only address environmental concerns but also stimulate economic development by powering homes, schools, and small businesses across the country.
The technical outline of the plan was presented by Mr. Philips Spencer, Senior Consultant and Project Manager from Canadian Pacific Consulting Services (CPCS). He explained that the initiative aims to: reach 30% renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030, add 100MW of renewable energy capacity, encourage independent power producers (IPPs) through de-risked investment opportunities reduce the country’s reliance on diesel and thermal power, which are major sources of emissions and use Green Climate Fund (GCF) resources to lower investment costs and support government capacity in managing competitive procurement processes.
Spencer also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as limited technical expertise in energy project planning, weak regulatory and financial structures, and the absence of standardized tools for managing tenders.
Also present at the launch was Stephane Barleau, Renewable Tender Advisor at CPCS, who is working alongside the Liberian government to refine the framework and support implementation. The investment plan is expected to unlock economic opportunities, improve energy resilience, and solidify Liberia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
