In a significant boost to the nation’s energy infrastructure, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has officially handed over two refurbished Niigata power generation plants to the Energy Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC).

The ceremony took place on Monday and was attended by Deputy Minister of Energy, Ing. Edmond Nonie, who represented the Ministry of Energy during the handover.

The refurbishment of the plants, funded through a JICA grant will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security in Freetown. With the growing demand for reliable electricity, these power generation facilities will help stabilize the Freetown grid.

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During the ceremony, Deputy Minister Nonie expressed gratitude to JICA and the Japanese government for their continued support in improving Sierra Leone’s energy sector. He emphasized that the plants would not only increase the generation capacity but also contribute to the overall economic development of the country.

JICA’s commitment to Sierra Leone has been instrumental in various infrastructure projects aimed at fostering sustainable development. The refurbishment of the Niigata plants is part of a broader strategy to modernize the country’s energy facilities and promote human capacity building. The project included training of forty (40) EGTC engineers in the maintenance and overhaul of the power plants.

As Sierra Leone continues to face challenges related to energy access, partnerships with international organizations like JICA are crucial for addressing these issues.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Energy plans to implement additional initiatives aimed at enhancing energy production and promoting sustainable practices, with support from both local and international partners. The handover of the Niigata plants is a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s journey towards energy sustainability.