SOGREA is partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone and the private sector to unlock new investments that will expand electricity access through green mini-grids, accelerating progress toward the country’s universal energy access goals.

Freetown, 21 October 2025: The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) Initiative today officially launched its Investment Support Windows, a crucial mechanism set to catalyse private sector investment in Green Mini-Grids (GMGs).

Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with its hosted entity Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL), the initiative features an indicative total of €22 million in catalytic investment support incentivizing private developers/operators to develop, finance, build, own, and operate mini-grids across rural Sierra Leone. This funding is aimed directly at supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s drive towards financially sustainable electrification of the country’s rural areas by attracting new private investments into the GMG sector.

The SOGREA Milestone-triggered CapEx Investment Support provides partial financial support to private entities to cover a portion of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for developing new GMGs and upgrading existing ones. This investment is designed not only to expand connections but also to help reduce electricity tariffs. Thanks to the Government of Sierra Leone’s reforms of the mini-grid sector by introducing state-of-the-art mini-grid regulations and a robust mechanism for tariff setting, SOGREA investment support will simultaneously help to bridge the gap between the tariffs that would be needed to cover the cost of supplying mini-grid energy and the tariffs that households can afford.

The GOSL views this investment as central to creating a conducive, sustainable environment for private sector engagement, emphasising that clear, simple and reliably enforced regulations are critical to attracting both donor and private capital for accelerated electrification.

Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), and Chairman Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG): "This €22 million investment support marks a pivotal moment in our drive toward universal energy access. It provides the necessary leverage to unlock significant private sector capital. By lowering the investment risk and ultimately reducing the tariff burden on our citizens, we are not just lighting up homes; we are powering economic growth and social development. The GOSL is fully committed to the success of this transparent and impact-focused partnership."

Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, said: “The European Union is proud to support the SOGREA Initiative, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable development, universal energy access, and climate action. The SOGREA Investment Support directly addresses the critical financing gap for green mini-grids, which are crucial for providing energy access in remote and underserved communities. This targeted grant support is a wise investment that will help Sierra Leone develop a resilient, decentralised, and clean energy future for its citizens.”

Crucially, the investment operates under a rigorous reimbursement mechanism. Payments are strictly tied to the achievement of specific, predetermined milestones such as "Equipment arrives on site," "GMG commissioned," and "GMG certified to operate", ensuring high standards and accountability. This phased payment approach is supported by verification from reputable third-party service providers and on-site checks, confirming progress before any funds are released.

Silvia Gallo, UNOPS West Africa Multi-Country Office Director, stated: “UNOPS is committed to the transparent and efficient administration of the SOGREA investments. Our system of phased, milestone-triggered payments, alongside robust third-party and on-site verification, promotes accountability and ensures that public funds deliver maximum impact. We are utilising systems, including SEforALL’s UEF web-based IT portal, to monitor progress, verify connections via smart meters, and uphold the integrity and credibility of the entire project.”

The initiative builds on the success of prior projects, highlighting the power of robust public-private partnerships in delivering tangible results, and focuses on both infrastructure development and strengthening the governance and financing of the renewable energy sector.

Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the Universal Energy Facility,  Sustainable Energy for All: “Through the integration of the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) funding windows into SOGREA, SEforALL is extending its proven model for accelerating energy access. The UEF's operating procedures and secure IT portal will ensure a streamlined and transparent process for private sector partners. This collaboration is designed to scale up the deployment of quality green mini-grids infrastructure quickly, bringing power to grassroots communities and transforming lives in Sierra Leone.” 

Communities and civil society are the critical beneficiaries and stakeholders who ensure inclusivity for youth, women, and vulnerable groups. But the lights won't stay on without capital. Private Sector companies are encouraged to invest now in Sierra Leone's green mini-grids to drive sustainable energy access, unlock rural economic growth, and secure an inclusive, electrified future. Green mini-grid investment is the spark that powers national development.

Note to Editors

BOILERPLATE

The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) initiative supports Sierra Leone’s transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy by strengthening governance, scaling investments in mini-grids, and piloting innovative renewable energy solutions. SOGREA is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNOPS in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF): Anthony Kamara, Director of Partnerships, Communications and Outreach akkamara@statehouse.gov.sl | +232 78 107 303

Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone: N’fa Alie Koroma, Political Press & Information Officer N'Fa-Alie.KOROMA@eeas.europa.eu | +232 88 136 002

UNOPS: Victoria Chendeka - Communications Officer, UNOPS Sierra Leone Victoriak@unops.org | +23230882151

Sustainable Energy for All and the Universal Energy Facility: Sherry Kennedy, Director of Communications: Sherry.Kennedy@SEforALL.org | +43 676 486 2425

About PI-CREF

The Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF) plays a critical role in guiding and coordinating efforts to address the impacts of climate change, catalyse universal access to sustainable and affordable energy, and improve food and nutrition security in the country.

About the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone

The European Union and its Member States are committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Through the Development Partnership and the Multiannual Indicative Programme for 2021-2027, the EU focuses on providing access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. This initiative aims to drive inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs, and promote the adoption of sustainable energy sources, fostering a green economy across Sierra Leone.

About UNOPS

UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, manage projects and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement globally. Read more: www.unops.org.

About The Universal Energy Facility (UEF)

The Universal Energy Facility (UEF), a multi-donor fund managed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), was established in 2020 to accelerate and scale up energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond, in line with SDG7 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The UEF provides incentive payments to clean energy companies deploying energy solutions and providing verified end-user electricity connections (via mini-grids and stand-alone solar systems) and clean cooking solutions based on pre-determined service standards. Read more:  https://www.universalenergyfacility.org.

About SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All has a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. Hosted by UNOPS, we work at the intersection of energy, climate and development, partnering with governments and organisations worldwide to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy and combat climate change. Read more: https://www.seforall.org/

By: Amida Adiatu Bangura

My name is Amida Adiatu Bangura, from Sierra Leone, and I am a former STEM Trainee in the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Traineeship Programme. I hold a BSc Hons in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. My career in the Science, Technology, Mathematics & Engineering (STEM) field is driven by my passion for innovation and a commitment to addressing today’s energy challenges. On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate the power and potential of women to transform the energy sector.

Transforming Lives through Sustainable Energy

Through the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) STEM Traineeship Programme, I have the unique opportunity to combine my engineering background with practical experience in sustainable energy solutions. Motived by a desire to enhance my technical skills, gain real-world experience, and contribute to universal access to sustainable energy, I was particularly drawn to the program’s focus on empowering women in STEM.

I was deeply inspired by the program’s goal to electrify healthcare facilities. In Sierra Leone, the unreliable grid system often leads to power outages, which can have dire consequences for hospitals, including preventable deaths. The opportunity to help implement sustainable energy solutions that ensure reliable power for critical healthcare services was a major motivator for my participation.

The SEforALL STEM Traineeship Programme was a life-changing opportunity. It deepened my understanding of sustainable energy systems, enhanced my project management abilities, and improved my capacity to collaborate with professionals from diverse fields. I expanded my knowledge in distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar panels—which reduce reliance on the national grid and enhance energy security—as well as advancements in energy-efficient technologies. The hands-on workshops and training sessions have given me a wide variety of options to advance my career within the sustainable energy and climate sectors.

Enhancing Expertise for Empowerment

Our work as Trainees involved installing solar panels by ensuring they were free from shading and optimally oriented to capture sunlight. We conducted structural assessments to confirm roof integrity, mounted poles at calculated distances and depths for cable management, and installed inverters and batteries in secure, ventilated areas. The systems we worked on were configured to prioritize solar power, switch to battery storage during low sunlight, and use the grid only when necessary. Additionally, we integrated the solar system with existing setups using automatic transfer switches for a seamless transition between power sources.

Beyond technical skills, the program strengthened my leadership skills and self-confidence. The collaborative environment taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving field. Engaging with peers and experts has not only inspired me to voice my ideas but also provided a strong sense of community and direction.

Memorable Experiences: Lighting Up Healthcare

One of my most memorable experiences was traveling to Kailahun for a solar panel installation at the Kailahun Government Hospital. This was my first visit to Kailahun Town in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province. Our work aimed to provide reliable electricity to a hospital isolated from the national grid. Witnessing the hospital staff and patients’ hopeful reactions after the initial phase of work was profoundly rewarding and reaffirmed my commitment to transforming lives through sustainable energy.

Another memorable experience occurred in February 2025 when I attended the Energizing Healthcare Conference, which was both motivating and enlightening. Experts, decision-makers, and practitioners gathered to discuss scalable solutions for ensuring sustainable energy access in healthcare facilities across Africa. Key discussions included the estimated $5 billion required to close the energy gap in healthcare, common challenges faced by African nations, and innovative financing strategies.

During my remarks at the conference, I highlighted my work as a STEM Trainee on the Healthcare Electrification Project in Sierra Leone. I discussed the technical aspects—network distribution, battery storage, and PV module installations—as well as the impactful outcomes that improved patient care. I also shared a personal story that drives my passion for this mission: the loss of a loved one due to a power outage at a government hospital.  This painful experience underscored the reality that most families face daily and the dire consequences of energy poverty in healthcare.

Women in STEM: The Future of Sustainable Energy

 My experience in the STEM Traineeship has empowered me to promote women’s participation in the STEM field. I am committed to advocating for and empower young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM, striving to achieve gender balance in the field.

To young people and women aspiring to enter the sustainable energy industry: never give up on your passion and have faith in your abilities. Sustainable energy is a field with opportunities for impact and innovation. Seek practical experience and networking opportunities—such as those offered by the SEforALL STEM Traineeship Programme—and surround yourself with peers and mentors who will challenge and encourage you.

Above all, never forget that your special viewpoint and talents are priceless for advancing sustainable energy.

On this International Women’s Day, let us honour the achievements of women in STEM and commit to a future where gender equality and sustainable innovation go hand in hand. Your passion, resilience, and creativity are vital for powering tomorrow.

Successful electrification of six leading hospitals in Sierra Leone inspired the extension 

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 20 September - Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) has now extended the Sierra Leone Healthcare Electrification Project to provide solar power electrification of 0.308 Megawatt peak (MWp) to an additional government hospital in Kailahun and 25 Community Health Centres (CHCs) across the country. 

Currently, 18 of these CHCs have no existing power source and the remaining have unreliable access to the grid or are self-generating using diesel. But that will change when the solar PV and battery systems are installed, giving doctors and nurses a reliable power source for treating patients. The new systems will significantly lower reliance on diesel generators, which will reduce the government’s healthcare expenditure on generator fuel and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. 
 

This groundbreaking project is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone alongside support from the UK Government and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) until its completion date of October 2024. 

Collaborative efforts are vital, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby emphasized this: “The link between energy and health sectors is instrumental in improving service delivery and health outcomes. We made a commitment at COP28 that we will go green for health and this means that as we increase the number of health facilities and improve on existing ones, we will be conscious about the climate by ensuring that we prioritize renewable energy sources. This is why we are very pleased with the partnership we have with SEforALL and the UK Government as they help electrify our health facilities.”  

The Sierra Leone Healthcare Electrification Project was launched after needs assessments were carried out in October 2022. Solar panels with battery systems were commissioned at six prominent medical facilities including the Ola During Children’s Hospital and the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital both in Freetown, then Masanga Hospital in Tonkolili, and three more government hospitals in Kambia, Kabala and Bonthe by late December 2023.  

Solar power is life-changing, a Maternity Nurse at Kambia Government Hospital, Mariatu Kamara reflected: “Can you believe we used phone lights to perform deliveries in the maternity ward? Solar has made my work easier. I'm now free from the ordeal of holding a phone in my mouth while I do the delivery. The patients are also happy.” 

The initial six hospitals received a combined total of more than 0.6MWp of installed solar PV capacity with battery storage, and are now fully equipped to provide critical medical care at all hours of the day and night. 

This phase of the project will power facilities in several districts, including Bo, Bonthe, Kailahun, Kono, Tonkolili, and the Western Area, benefiting key centers such as Bo School Clinic, Gerihun CHC, Moriba Town CHC, Taiama Trauma Centre, and Jenner Wright in Freetown, alongside 20 other facilities.

The transition has been transformative for Sierra Leone and it’s only the beginning. SEforALL’s Sierra Leone Country Manager, Ngozi Beckley-Lines expressed pride in the project’s impact: “Rural and underserved communities can now rely on clean and renewable solar power, ensuring improved around-the-clock medical care. The energy transition work continues, and we will leave no one behind.”

SEforALL plans to install a total of 4.3MWp of solar power across Sierra Leone. The third and final phase of the Sierra Leone Healthcare Electrification Project will supply another 11 hospitals including Lakka, Port Loko, Makeni and Kenema Government Hospitals with solar PV and battery systems.

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is committed to engaging and empowering youth to become leaders of a just and equitable energy transition, which is why we hosted an Energy, Climate, and Development Career Fair in Freetown, Sierra Leone on 18 March. This groundbreaking event served as a pivotal platform connecting youth with invaluable career pathways and opportunities in the realms of sustainable energy, climate, and sustainable development. 

The career fair attracted an array of attendees, including 176 youth (120 male, 56 female) who are attending secondary school or university, or who have recently graduated. They met with representative from esteemed secondary and tertiary educational institutions, companies and organizations, and prominent institutions in Sierra Leone’s sustainable energy sector. Their active participation and engagement underscored the pressing need for initiatives fostering dialogue and collaboration in addressing critical global challenges.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the Energy, Climate, and Development Career Fair," said Rosemary Idem, Gender and Youth Programme Manager, SEforALL. "It is inspiring to see the level of enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the youth and stakeholders towards exploring career opportunities in the sustainable energy sector. This event exemplifies our dedication to bridging the information gap for career opportunities and building a pipeline of talent needed to advance and sustain the just and equitable energy transition across the globe.”

We extend our sincere gratitude to all the participants, including the youth, schools, companies, and institutions, for their active involvement and contributions towards making the career fair a resounding success. Their enthusiasm and engagement underscore the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers to drive progress towards ending energy poverty.

A special thank you to our showcasing partners: EM-ONE Solutions, Shortlist Futures, Crown Agents, Freetown City Council, Easy Solar, Wired Salone Solar Energy, Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Health. 
Furthermore, SEforALL acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable support from our esteemed partners: the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and the Government of Iceland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

As we reflect on the success of the Energy, Climate, and Development Career Fair, we remain committed to supporting the inclusion and participation of women and youth in the sustainable energy sector, particularly through our dedicated Gender and Youth programme.

For more information and updates on future events and initiatives, follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

Last week marked the successful commissioning of a transformational project in Sierra Leone that has electrified six key hospitals with decentralized solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and batteries.  

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation celebrated this milestone at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown, one of the six electrified hospitals, along with Ms. Kate Foster, UK Africa Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), UK Government, and Ms. Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone  

The new energy systems provide a combined installed capacity of nearly 0.6 megawatt-peak (MWp) to the six hospitals. They were designed taking into account the current and future energy needs of the health facilities. In most cases, they have replaced unreliable and polluting diesel generators, providing a more consistent supply of dependable and clean power for the critical infrastructure used by doctors and nurses to treat patients.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin H. Demby said, “[These hospitals] have gone through a transition that will forever change the way healthcare is delivered in the country. Before this time, they relied on the national grid and backup generators, which were very expensive to run and, in some cases, cost 20% of the budget of the hospitals, which is not sustainable. The health sector will work assiduously to go green”.

The project has been funded by the UK and implemented by Sustainable Energy for All in partnership with Crown Agents and EM-ONE Energy Solutions. The overall goal is to enable improved delivery of healthcare, especially maternal and child health services, in unelectrified or poorly electrified facilities, through improved access to modern, affordable, and sustainable electricity services.

In March 2023, SEforALL published a Market Assessment and Roadmap for Health Facilities in Sierra Leone, which revealed that 38 percent of health facilities lack reliable access to energy. Detailed energy audits of major hospitals were also conducted, following which 6 of them, located in Freetown, Kambia, Masanga, Kabala and Bonthe, were selected for electrification.  

Dr. Ayeshatu Mustapha, the Medical Superintendent at Ola During hospital, heartily welcomes the intervention. “The electrical and solar installation for the hospital is life changing. 70 to 80 babies and children are receiving critical care every day, which needs reliable and sustainable energy. The medical equipment will last longer, and there is economic benefit to the hospital as the funds can now be directed to other necessary equipment”, he said.

To ensure that the energy systems and the associated benefits of the project are sustained in the long run, the project partners are developing a model for longer-term operations and maintenance (O&M) and training hospital staff to be involved in this effort, as well as creating a framework to monitor and evaluate the health and environmental impacts over time.

“Such a comprehensive model for health facility electrification beyond this current project is another major outcome of this work. We are already beginning to see results on the ground, with healthcare workers able to offer medical services late into the night and operate equipment which requires a steady power connection. This project is going to impact thousands of lives”, said Madhusagar Singh, Project Manager (Powering Healthcare Project), Sierra Leone, SEforALL.

The Universal Energy Facility (UEF) – a multi-donor results-based financing facility managed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) – is signing several grant agreements with mini-grid companies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Madagascar and Sierra Leone in the coming weeks. The grantees will receive financial support to build solar mini-grids in communities without access to clean energy and where other polluting energy sources, such as diesel and petrol generators, charcoal and firewood, are common. 

“Accelerating access to reliable, sustainable and affordable electricity to those most in need is the central focus of UEF and its partners,” said Anita Otubu, Senior Director of the UEF. “This is a big step and the first of many we need to take to continue improving people’s lives in Africa. Access to clean energy is a life-changing step that leads to economic growth, empowering women, reducing C02 emissions, and creating jobs - among other benefits.” 

The USD 10.4 million of additional funding is for 17,628 connections distributed among six companies, benefiting an estimated 88,000 people in 29 communities in the three countries. During the next 12 months, the beneficiaries will construct and commission 29 mini-grids with an estimated 3.7MW of renewable energy capacity installed, leading to an avoidance of approximately 1,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions per year. 

“Once again, the UEF proves to be a rapid, cost-effective solution for accelerating the deployment of clean energy grants,” said Edward Borgstein, Managing Director at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), a UEF donor. “As a partner, having access to a robust and efficient mechanism to get funds to work is crucial as we seek to accelerate electricity access in some of the world’s most energy-poor locations.” 

Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Despite having an immense and varied energy potential from renewable resources including hydroelectric, biomass, solar and geothermal power; only 49 per cent of its 96 million people have access to electricity, most of them in urban centres, according to the World Bank. As a solution, and to support the government’s efforts to significantly increase power connections, the UEF launched its mini-grid programme in the DRC in October 2022.  

The UEF recently signed the first grant agreement for USD 3.8 million with Electrilac S.A.S, a subsidiary of Green Enesys, with the goal of providing 6,500 new electricity connections and installing 2.5MW of renewable energy capacity. These connections are expected to positively impact over 30,000 people, providing them with new or improved access to electricity. 

“The financial support from the UEF and partners is crucial to promoting a robust and dynamic energy market in the DRC. This will bring sustainable and reliable energy to underserved communities, delivering a catalytic impact in creating more and better jobs, new business opportunities, and in contributing to the sustainable socio-economic development of the region,” said Ranjith Rao, Chief Business Development Officer, Green Enesys “We see this type of support as a win-win situation for our business, but also for the government and the people of the DRC.” 

Madagascar 

According to the World Bank, only 73 percent of the Malagasy population has access to electricity in urban areas and only 11 percent in rural areas.  

To support electrification efforts, the UEF opened its first funding window in 2020, signing grant agreements with two developers for nine mini-grid sites, resulting in 2,496 expected electricity connections. In its second wave of funding, the UEF is signing grant agreements with WeLight, ANKA, Autarsys and Jiro Taratra/Africa GreenTec, totaling USD 5.9 million for an additional 21 mini-grids. This will result in 9,935 new electricity connections and 0.99MW of renewable energy capacity installed. These connections are expected to impact nearly 50,000 people in regions with strong economic growth potential and in sectors such as agriculture and trade by providing new or improved access to electricity.  

"The Government of Madagascar is fully committed to identifying and implementing appropriate strategies to accelerate access to electricity for communities, particularly in rural areas, using appropriate and effective mechanisms,” said Mamisoa Rakotoarimanana, Executive Secretary, Agency for Rural Electrification Development.  “Initiatives such as the UEF are highly appreciated when it comes to identifying key partners to support our strategy while simultaneously delivering substantial results.” 

“At Africa GreenTec, we align our actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals,” said Moritz Brauchle, Managing Director, Africa GreenTec. “Therefore, we are grateful to have found a strong partner in UEF with whom we can jointly achieve our goal of sustainable impact through renewable energy solutions.” 

To date, the UEF mini-grid programme in Madagascar is the fastest growing and the largest beneficiary of UEF grants.   

Sierra Leone 

The Government of Sierra Leone is committed to significantly increasing the national electrification rate, aiming to reach 92 percent by 2030. This ambitious goal is a response to the current access rate of just 26 percent, which falls to 5 percent in rural areas. With these low electricity access rates, the government recognizes the urgent need to implement electrified mini-grid systems to bridge this gap. 

Since 2020, the UEF has committed over USD 2 million in grant agreements for the deployment of mini-grid projects in two different funding windows. The UEF plans to sign a USD 706,000 grant agreement with Energicity (SL) Limited to develop seven mini-grids. This project is expected to provide 1,193 electricity connections and 0.2MW of renewable energy capacity that will impact the lives of nearly 6,000 people. 

Additionally, the UEF has issued conditional offer letters to developers for the construction of more than 20 mini-grid sites, showing substantial progress in the application process in the DRC, Madagascar and Sierra Leone. After the successful completion of all the requirements, the UEF will potentially extend grant agreements in the coming months. 

More information on the UEF is available here.  

Today at Freetown’s Ola During Children’s and Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, unveiled a new project that will electrify six hospitals with decentralized solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with batteries. 

These renewable energy systems will provide the hospitals with a reliable and less-polluting alternative to their current systems, helping improve the quality of healthcare delivery to patients. Currently, the hospitals rely on either polluting diesel generators or the main electricity grid, making them prone to power cuts that put patients’ lives at risk.   

Located in Freetown, Kambia, Masanga, Kabala and Bonthe, the hospitals will receive a combined total of more than 0.6 megawatt-peak (MWp) of installed solar PV capacity with battery storage.

They were selected following detailed energy audits at major hospitals in the country done earlier this year. That study found that more than 1,000 health facilities in Sierra Leone need either a complete power solution or a back-up solution, requiring an investment of approximately USD 64 million.

Installation of the power solutions is scheduled for July-August 2023. The project is being implemented by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) in partnership with the Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health & Sanitation, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Crown Agents and EM-ONE Energy Solutions.   

Dr. Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, said “The Government of Sierra Leone has recognized that reliable, sufficient electricity is a critical input to healthcare services. This project shows our commitment to ensuring hospitals are better equipped to keep people safe and healthy by harnessing the power of renewable energy.”   

As an added benefit, the project was also designed to enhance employment and career opportunities for women in the local renewable energy sector. Twelve young women have already begun a specialized training programme that provides them with practical experience and classroom training on solar PV project implementation, including participating in the installation process at the hospitals.   

“By showcasing how hospitals can be equipped with renewable and reliable energy solutions in an accelerated time frame, we hope to provide a model that can be used to electrify thousands of other health facilities across Sierra Leone and beyond,” said Madhusagar Singh, Project Manager (Powering Healthcare Project), Sierra Leone, SEforALL. “These solar energy systems can bring significant benefits to the delivery of health services, saving lives and improving health outcomes.” 

Learn more about the project here. 

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) launched its Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) traineeship in Sierra Leone on 8 March. This innovative six-month programme is providing technical training to 12 recent or soon-to-be university graduates by having them participate in a local health electrification project and online skills training.   

Trainees have already begun several online courses covering topics that will be valuable to their burgeoning energy careers, and they will soon be on-site at hospitals and clinics in Sierra Leone, working closely with SEforALL and its implementing partner, EM-One, to develop solar installations.  

Bintu Jalloh is one of the 12 trainees, and we recently asked her about her experiences within the programme thus far and what she is looking forward to in the months ahead. 

Q: Why is it important for you and other women to gain experience in STEM, specifically within the energy sector? 

A: As a woman in STEM, I believe in being empowered and being a citizen that will contribute greatly to the development of my country and Africa as a whole. The energy sector is very important for building a more sustainable future, so learning and experiencing different aspects of the sector now will be a life-changing opportunity for me. It will broaden my skill-set and help me identify where I can have the greatest impact on Sierra Leone’s energy transition. 

Q: How is the SEforALL Women in STEM traineeship going so far? What have been some of the highlights from the first month?   

A: It has been a great educative and interactive experience so far. The past few weeks of training have given me the opportunity to meet with great people involved in the energy sector who are at the forefront in making sure SDG7 is attained by 2030.  

Interactive virtual sessions were organized to give me the opportunity to learn about how important renewable energy is to Africa and how the economic growth of a country like Sierra Leone can be developed through the energy sector.   

The Health, Safety and Environment training session conducted by the EM-One team gave me many practical tips that are relevant to working on-site at energy projects like those being carried out on health facilities.   

We learned how to identify potential risks and hazards faced in the workplace, especially when installing solar panels; safety signs and symbols; reporting of incidents; how important personal protective equipment (PPEs) are and how to use them; the hierarchy of controls; and other environment-related health and safety issues.  

The soft skills training was also one of my favourites because the subjects we covered will definitely help me excel in my future endeavours. This training opened my eyes to how to maintain a good working relationship with people, how to manage my time, set my goals, and work towards achieving them. It also taught me to be confident enough to ask questions, give my input on things, bring my ideas on board rather than been silent in a room, and to have the confidence to speak in public, which has been one of my greatest fears. 

Q: What are you looking forward to most in the coming months? Are there any specific skills or experiences you hope to gain?  

A: As the training continues, I’m hoping that the programme becomes even more interesting and informative. In particular, I look forward to gaining leadership, technical and project management skills. The opportunity to work with different experts in the energy sector on- and off-site installing solar panels, repairing equipment and working on other projects will be highly appreciated.   

Getting to witness the different steps involved in connecting these hospitals to reliable, solar energy from a project management perspective, and then executing some of the physical installation work will be a new experience for me, so it will very rewarding.