Liberia secures US$57 Million to expand Mount Coffee Solar Park to 30 MW

• Liberia has inaugurated its first utility scale solar park at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.
• The World Bank has signed a US$57 million financing agreement to expand the solar facility from 20 MW to 30 MW.
• The project includes a 12 MW / 12 MWh battery energy storage system and plans to add 42 MW of hydropower capacity

Liberia has taken a major step in strengthening its renewable energy sector with the official inauguration of the country’s first utility scale solar park at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Government of Liberia and the World Bank signed a US$57 million financing agreement that will support the expansion of the solar facility from its current 20 MW capacity to 30 MW.

The funding package will also finance the installation of a 12 MW / 12 MWh battery energy storage system, aimed at improving grid stability and addressing power supply challenges, particularly during the country’s dry season when hydropower generation is reduced.

In addition to the solar expansion, the World Bank financing will support upgrades at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant through the installation of additional turbines that will add 42 MW of generation capacity to the facility.

The investment forms part of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project and is included within a broader US$125 million World Bank support package for Liberia covering energy, transport and digital connectivity infrastructure.

The inauguration of the 20 MW solar park marks a significant milestone for Liberia’s energy sector, introducing utility scale solar generation into the national electricity mix for the first time. The planned expansion is expected to further strengthen energy security, increase renewable energy penetration and improve the reliability of electricity supply across the country.

The combination of solar generation, battery storage and hydropower upgrades is expected to provide a more resilient power system while supporting Liberia’s efforts to expand electricity access and accelerate its transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Government officials and development partners described the financing as an important investment in the country’s long term energy infrastructure, helping to address persistent electricity shortages and support economic growth.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal