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Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chair of the New Energy Governance Coordination Group has recently detailed the country’s short- and medium-term energy plans during a site visit to the Kingtom and Blackhall Road power stations.
Dr. Yumkella reported that Freetown is currently using 60-70 megawatts of power, significantly less than the city’s actual needs of 120-130 megawatts. He noted that the low voltage experienced in some communities is primarily due to over-connections.
During his visit, Dr. Yumkella outlined both long-term and short-term strategies aimed at helping Freetown achieve its maximum energy threshold, as well as addressing energy needs in other parts of the country. He announced that the Vice President launched a groundbreaking project in November last year which will provide an additional 30 megawatts by the end of the year, along with another 40 megawatts designated for kamakuwie and its surrounding areas.
Furthermore, Yumkella noted that President Bio, serving as the Minister of Energy, has successfully doubled the energy supply within one year. He also highlighted a recent trip to Tanzania, during which he and the President discussed potential energy projects with sector leaders, including plans to introduce 80 megawatts at Bumduna and 65 megawatts in Kono.
If implemented, these initiatives could enable the country to meet its medium-term energy goals within two years. Dr. Yumkella anticipates adding 140 to 150 megawatts, which would effectively triple the current supply.
Additionally, by the end of March, the President plans to launch a rural electrification program that will benefit 100 to 200 communities, providing them with their own mini-grids.
Kandeh Yumkela is a liar. If Freetown is only getting 70 MWs how has the president doubled the energy supply? How much is Kapowership providing now? While some solar projects are online now, I don’t know if they are connected to the grid and outside of those projects, there is no new supply to Freetown. Kapower is providing some, Blackhall, Kingtom and what Bumbuna can provide in the dry season is providing the rest. These are all old, how has Cocaine Maada Bio doubled supply? The 80MW in Bumbuna that he is talking about us Bumbuna II, a project that has been on the drawing board for more than 10 years. That will cost over 500 million and being that the investors see how the country doesn’t pay Kappership on time, I will be suprised if that takes off.
😂😂😂