Liberia’s first utility-scale solar plant begins operating

The government of Liberia has switched on the country’s first grid-connected utility-scale solar plant.

The 20 MW Mount Coffee Solar Park, located within the Montserrado district of northwestern Liberia, was built at the site of the 88 MW Mount Coffee Hydropower Station. Construction work began in October 2024.

During an inauguration ceremony held earlier this month, President Joseph Boakai said the project marks a significant step toward increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.

President Boakai added that inadequate and expensive electricity has long hindered economic growth and discouraged investment in Liberia, while limiting the delivery of essential services. According to a government press release, he also said efforts are underway to strengthen transmission and distribution systems to allow more communities across Liberia to benefit from reliable electricity services.

The ceremony also saw Boakai sign investment agreements with the World Bank totaling $125 million, including $57 million in additional funding for the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), a World Bank-funded program increasing grid-connected renewables capacity in West and Central African nations.

The $57 million will go towards increasing the capacity of the solar facility from 20 MW to 30 MW, as well as the deployment of a 12 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and upgrades to the colocated hydropower station. The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) has said the BESS is set for deployment by October 2027.

AFSIA has identified 130.9 MW of operational solar in Liberia, according to figures available in its project database, the majority of which is made up of commercial and industrial projects.