USTDA awards grant for mini-grids project in Sierra Leone

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) last week said it is supporting the execution of a feasibility study for a project to add about 45 mini-grids in Sierra Leone.

The agency has awarded a grant to the energy ministry of Sierra Leone, which, through US firm WindGen Power USA Inc, will conduct the technical and financial analysis needed to implement the project.

USTDA said that the planned study will back a private sector model for off-grid development that other West African countries can then replicate.

“On the basis of the technical design and detailed planning work, we expect these mini-grids will be readily financed and developed – in order to provide affordable, solar-powered energy for over 8,000 Sierra Leonean households and businesses,” said Alhaji Kanja Sesay, Sierra Leone’s energy minister.

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