Регулятор Либерии выдал лицензию на работу 20-МВт солнечной электростанции для решения дефицита энергии

By Lewis S. Teh MONROVIA, Liberia, August 14, 2026 — The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has issued an operating license to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for its 20-megawatt solar power plant, as the state-owned utility promises improved electricity supply during the upcoming dry season. LERC formally presented the license Thursday during a ceremony attended by its Board of Commissioners and senior LEC officials at a local hotel in Sinkor. LERC Commissioner Cllr. Edward Kla Martin said the license gives LEC the legal authority to operate the solar facility while imposing regulatory obligations covering performance, safety, efficiency, accountability and service delivery. “This license must not be regarded merely as a ceremonial document. It is a binding regulatory instrument that establishes standards of performance, accountability, safety, efficiency and service delivery,” Martin said. He said LERC expects the utility to improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply, reduce technical and commercial losses, remain responsive to customers and ensure transparent and financially sustainable operations. According to Martin, reliable electricity is critical to business growth, the operation of schools and hospitals, employment creation and improvement in the quality of life of Liberians. He said LERC will continue to exercise its regulatory responsibilities independently while remaining constructive and supportive of initiatives aimed at improving the electricity sector. Martin also addressed concerns raised by residents of Harrisburg Township, where the solar plant is located, during public hearings on the project. Residents raised concerns about land boundaries, possible encroachment on agricultural projects and environmental issues associated with the development. Martin said the Liberia Land Authority is conducting a survey to address the boundary concerns, with the exercise expected to be completed within two months. He said LEC has also been instructed to allow farmers with crops on affected land to harvest them before any relocation takes place. The LERC Commissioner further disclosed that the electrification of Harrisburg is underway, with LEC committing to fully electrify the community within the next two months. Receiving the license, LEC Deputy Managing Director for Operations Thomas Z. Gonkerwon described the development as a major milestone in Liberia’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and increase access to affordable renewable energy. Gonkerwon said the plant is already generating an average of five megawatts for four to six hours daily during the rainy season. He said the full 20MW capacity is expected to help strengthen electricity supply during the dry season, when Liberia traditionally faces generation shortages. “In preparation for our coming dry season, this 20-megawatt solar plant will make a difference,” Gonkerwon said. “That difference will be felt by every Liberian because we can assure you that the coming dry season will be a different story.” LEC has historically faced electricity supply challenges during the dry season as reduced water levels affect generation from the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant. Gonkerwon also disclosed that an additional 10MW solar facility and a 12-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System are under development and expected to come online during the first quarter of 2027. He said the additional infrastructure is expected to increase solar generation while improving grid stability. The LEC official pledged the corporation’s compliance with regulatory and social requirements associated with the project. He said LEC is also advancing its digital transformation through the deployment of smart meters and SAP systems, which are expected to provide customers with improved access to consumption data while helping the utility reduce losses. “This is a win-win situation for both our customers and LEC,” Gonkerwon said. LERC, meanwhile, congratulated LEC’s board, management and staff and urged the corporation to treat the operating license as a commitment to improved performance, greater accountability and better electricity service.