Infinity Power, an Egyptian renewable energy solutions provider, has taken a critical step toward fulfilling its agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone to generate 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity.

A team of experts dispatched by the company recently conducted feasibility studies to assess the viability of installing 80 megawatts (MW) of ground-mounted and 60 MW of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage facilities in the country.

The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2023 at Sierra Leone’s State House by Infinity Power’s Deputy CEO, Ahmed Mulla. During the signing, Mulla emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for Sierra Leone’s energy challenges.

The team, which included solar engineers and the company’s West Africa Business Development Manager, spent two days at the Bumbuna Hydro Power site, identified as the most suitable location for the renewable energy installations. They were joined by representatives from Sierra Leone’s energy sector, including Dr. Abdul Rahim Jalloh, MCC Unit Coordinator, and Dr. Edmund Wuseni, General Projects Coordinator from the Ministry of Energy. Other participants included officials from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

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The visit was led by Anthony Kamara, Director of Partnerships, Communications, and Outreach at the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security (PI-CREF), representing Chairman Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella.

Gamal Osman, Senior Solar Design Manager at Infinity Power, expressed confidence in the project’s potential after the site visit. “We now have sufficient information to draft a preliminary proposal, including the ability to connect to the CLSG substation, availability of land for solar PV installations, and locations near the river for floating solar,” he stated.

Isma Ndiaye, West Africa Business Development Manager, highlighted the value of the visit. “These two days on the ground have provided clarity and answers that photos cannot offer,” Ndiaye said.

PI-CREF’s Kamara emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing Sierra Leone’s energy goals. “The presence of seasoned experts from the Ministry of Energy, EDSA, and EGTC underscores the strong partnership needed to deliver on President Bio’s vision for the energy sector,” he remarked.

Chairman Yumkella, currently in Turkey for discussions with Karpowership officials, will meet with Infinity Power’s leadership in Abu Dhabi following the Istanbul meetings. He is leading Sierra Leone’s delegation to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) General Assembly, signaling the government’s commitment to sustainable energy development.