Sierra Leone Launches Waste-To-Energy Facility Project

Sierra Leone will experience a significant shift in its waste management and energy sectors with the inauguration of a 30-megawatt (MW) Freetown-based waste-to-energy plant. The project, jointly developed by Climate Fund Managers (CFM) and Infinitum Energy Group, received $3.1 million in development funding from CFM's EU-supported Climate Investor Two Fund. This project is geared towards reducing the nation's dire energy crisis while addressing waste management challenges, ultimately enhancing environmental and public health status.

With only 22% of the country's population accessing electricity, Sierra Leone has had a long history of power shortages. The new plant will produce 236.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity every year by processing 365,000 tonnes of municipal waste. The electricity generated will be fed into the national grid under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), providing long-term and stable energy supply. Through the generation of electricity from waste, the project will supply electricity to about 3.3 million people, greatly enhancing access to power throughout the country.

Aside from power generation, the project is likely to have a dramatic effect on Sierra Leone's environment. The waste management infrastructure in the country is underdeveloped, and hence, there is a build-up of waste in unregulated dumpsites, which result in pollution, flooding, and public health hazards. By redirecting waste from such locations and putting it to use for power production, the program will decrease dependence on landfilling, lower the risk of flood in cities, and reduce the incidence of disease resulting from unsanitary conditions.

One of the main environmental advantages of the project is that it assists in climate change mitigation. By being efficient in waste processing and lowering reliance on fossil fuel power sources, the plant will avert around 94,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission per year. This reduction aligns with Sierra Leone's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement, in addition to buttressing the country's efforts in mainstreaming sustainable practices into development planning.

The economic impacts of the project are also optimistic. Besides serving as a sure source of energy, the project is anticipated to generate 250 direct employment opportunities and sustain 1,500 jobs in the waste management industry. The jobs will provide steady incomes to most families while consolidating the nation's circular economy. By creating a more organized system for waste collection and processing, the project could further enhance the employment conditions for informal recyclers as well as other waste pickers.

Sierra Leone's power generation is largely dependent on hydroelectric power at the moment, which is less efficient during drought periods when water levels are low. The new waste-to-energy plant will ensure a baseload power supply that is stable, guaranteeing energy security even during low hydroelectric periods. Diversification of the nation's energy mix is essential for economic stability in the long term since companies and residents will enjoy a more reliable supply of electricity.

Darron Johnson, Regional Head of Africa at CFM, emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, “This project exemplifies our commitment to scalable solutions that address climate, social, and economic challenges. By transforming Freetown’s waste into energy, we’re reducing emissions, catalyzing economic opportunities, and improving community health.”

The project launch coincides with the growing urbanization and waste production challenges in Sierra Leone. Freetown, the capital city, has had to contend with inefficiencies in waste collection, resulting in increasing environmental issues. The waste-to-energy plant marks a strategic turn towards sustainable waste management, with a long-term solution that not only solves the problem of pollution but also makes waste a resource.

This project creates a precedent for future projects in other African nations that are similarly challenged. As the continent moves toward sustainable energy sources, waste-to-energy technology presents a sound alternative to conventional fossil fuels, lowering emissions and enhancing overall urban life.

With development progressing and financing obtained, Sierra Leone's waste-to-energy plant is ready to serve as a model for renewable energy integrated with waste management. Addressing two of the nation's greatest challenges—energy poverty and urban waste buildup—this project can change lives, spur economic growth, and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.