NGPI, Nations Solar to build 200 MW of PV plants in Sierra Leone

Chicago-based power producer New Generation Power International (NGPI) said on Friday it has teamed up with Nations Solar to install 200 MW of solar power capacity in Sierra Leone over the next three years.

NGPI’s representatives have met last week with the deputy minister of energy for the West-African country to unveil plans to install multiple utility-scale power production plants there. The parties are holding final talks about the creation of a Public Private Partnership Agreement (PPPA), the US firm said.

NGPI and Nations Solar intend to work together on solar photovoltaic (PV), hydroelectric and distributed generation projects in Sierra Leone. They expect to start construction work on a 20-MW solar plant this year and to deploy a further 180 MW of solar over the next two years. The PV parks will be implemented under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Meanwhile, the pair will also work on a 132-MW hydropower plant with the goal of completing it by the spring of 2018. This power station will come with a 35-year PPA.

NGPI’s task will be to build, own and operate the facilities in addition to contributing project capital.

At present, about 80% of Sierra Leone’s citizens have no access to electricity and the country has set a target of deploying 1,000 MW of power capacity over the next three years.

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