New energy initiative in Sierra Leone powers progress in renewables
A major energy infrastructure project in Sierra Leone is laying the groundwork for a more stable and affordable power supply. The project is supported by global advisory firm Adam Smith International.
Working through the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the West African nation is reforming how it handles large-scale renewable energy. The initiative focuses on upgrading the commercial and technical systems of the Energy Generation and Transmission Company to better manage solar power and battery energy storage systems.
Reliable electricity remains one of the most critical development challenges in Sierra Leone, directly impacting economic growth and public services. Issues like power outages, even in the capital Freetown, are a huge problem in the daily life of many Sierra Leoneans. While expanding the power grid is vital, new investments must be managed sustainably to deliver long-term benefits.
Strengthening the energy framework
Historically, limited institutional capacity and the absence of standardized contracts made it difficult for the national utility provider to secure reliable, good-value electricity. Promising renewable energy projects frequently faced delays due to unclear responsibilities.
To address these hurdles, Adam Smith International introduced practical, gradual solutions that build upon previous economic reform programmes. The consultants began by reviewing the existing legal and regulatory arrangements for power procurement.
Following this assessment, the project developed a proposal to establish a specialist power procurement and management unit. At this stage, relevant government ministers have accepted this proposal in principle, which will bring three clear benefits: greater consistency, better oversight, and controled long-term costs.
Introducing standardized solutions
A key achievement of the project is the creation of a standard power purchase agreement specifically tailored for solar and battery storage technology. This agreement is supported by a practical user manual designed to guide negotiations and future implementation.
The project team also produced draft operating procedures based on international best practices to assist future system operations. The intervention concluded with a two-day workshop where key utility and government stakeholders gathered to validate the findings and plan the next steps.
Securing future investment
The results of this collaboration represent a significant shift in how Sierra Leone plans and buys large-scale renewable power. For the first time, sector leaders and government ministries have aligned around standard templates that reduce risks for external investors.
In addition to that, there is a growing appreciation of how battery storage can enhance a fragile national grid. Instead of viewing batteries as an optional add-on, authorities now see them as essential tools to improve reliability. By moving away from simple energy-only contracts and utilizing flexible tariff structures, Sierra Leone is better positioned to integrate modern technology.
These new building blocks are already feeding into official government planning. Over time, these commercial reforms will help Sierra Leone attract higher-quality private investments, reduce its dependence on expensive thermal generation, and ultimately deliver more dependable electricity to households and businesses across the country.
“The introduction of solar plus storage is not only a technology shift – it is a governance shift. It requires discipline in planning, honesty about affordability constraints, and shared commitment to improving reliability for Sierra Leonean households and businesses,” said Abdul Jalloh, deputy minister of Energy 2 (DME 2).
Adam Smith International
In addition to its energy sector work in Sierra Leone, UK-headquartered Adam Smith International has managed major reform and infrastructure initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa. The consulting firm’s track record includes implementing the Climate Finance Accelerator in Nigeria to drive renewable energy investment, as well as managing the long-running Somalia Stability Fund to support regional governance and economic growth.
