“The industries are growing in the Waterloo area, over six industries have approached EDSA for direct power offtake totaling 12 MW with the ability to double in the next two years”, says Abu Kamara, Director General of Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority.

He was addressing the energy demand growth in the mining and industrial sectors during this year’s Energy Roundtable held at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

The gathering brought together Government, donor partners, multilateral institutions, operators, and independent power producers to discuss new approaches for an improved energy sector.

He said the Cline Town area has immediate suppressed demand of 10MW, adding that four companies have approached EDSA for Direct offtake arrangements in Kono District.

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“OCTEA we have signed a PPA and they will start off taking power on November 1st, 2022.

Meyer, Sierra Mining, and Wongor Mining are in developmental stages feasibility assessments are ongoing and we will soon commence work on the project documents (PPA, IA).

“In addition to Kono, Marampa SL has also approached us for 30MW by September 2023 and China KingHo also needs 80MW.

The total power demanded from mining companies is approximately 125MW with the potential of significant growth shortly”.

Speaking on EDSA’s potential interventions, DG Kamara pointed out that the 30MW Newton and 10MW Lungi battery-powered solar parks that are supported by the World Bank were very timely.

“It will help with the massive demand potential in the Mining and Industrial sectors. As a team we need to continue our collaboration in the quick actualization of this project”, he continued.

“Next dry season, we will be increasing our OFF-take from CLSG to help further mitigate our seasonality challenges with Bumbuna-1.

Serengeti has also concluded the construction of its Solar Park in Boma. We will start off taking power from them onto the grid for the BO/Kenema axis on November 15th, 2022.

“We are in the advanced stages of concluding the Milele Energy project. Discussions and negotiations with all stakeholders including the Financiers DFC and EBID are in advanced stages.

Phase 1 will deliver 83.5 MW. This will help with the growing demand for Industries around the Western Area.

“Planet Solar another Solar IPP project is also in advanced stages. They have achieved FC and they have engaged with EPC contractors and will be mobilizing soon to advance and progress work within the specified locations around the country”.

EDSA Boss, Abu Kamara said he was looking forward to the MCC compact implementation greatly.

He said there was a serious need to increase the Governments own generation assets while working on improving and strengthening the Transmission Network around the country